PITTSBURGH STEELERS

15 GREATEST FIRST-ROUND PICKS OF ALL-TIME

The first round of the NFL Draft is the deciding factor between success and failure for many teams, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are no stranger to finding franchise pieces in the first 32 picks.

Like all NFL teams, the first round of the NFL draft is the most important. That’s where some of the country’s most highly talented prospects enter the next chapter of their careers. It’s also where teams find players that carry them for years to come.

For the Steelers, they’ve found a number of Hall of Famers in the opening round of the NFL Draft. From Franco Harris and Terry Bradshaw, to what appears to be the next generation of stars in Artie Burns and T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh has never had trouble finding diamonds in the rough during the first round.

Ranking them, though, it’s easy to see how the Steelers have maintained such dominance throughout history. Some of the names that have come and gone through the first-round of Pittsburgh’s opening ballots turned into name the NFL cherishes to this day.

The higher up this list gets, the better the names. With this team’s history of success, it’s impossible to squeeze all their first-round gems into a top-15. Meaning the ones who did make it, are not only legends in the Steel City, but members of the NFL that will never be forgotten.

15: LOUIS LIPPS

WR, SOUTHERN MISS GOLDEN EAGLES, 1984

When you think about Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers, one of the first names that should come to mind is Louis Lipps. The speedy, do-it-all, wideout from Southern Mississippi made a name for himself in college by catching, running and returning. Then, after four standout years as a Golden Eagle, Lipps found himself as a first-round pick for the Steel City.

The No. 23 pick in the 1984 NFL Draft, Lipps headed to Pittsburgh as a wide receiver/return specialist. His breakaway speed made him a threat to any defender. Had quarterback Terry Bradshaw not suffered a career-ending elbow injury, imagine what Lipps’ numbers would have looked like in black and yellow. It took a while before Ben Roethlisberger got to the Steel City, but he eventually got there.

Lipps started his career off as hot as it gets, earning NFL Rookie of the Year and being named to the Pro Bowl and as a first-team All-Pro member. He followed that performance up with another Pro Bowl/All-Pro season in his sophomore campaign.

The Steelers wideout finished his career with 6,019 yards and 39 touchdowns, playing all but one year with Pittsburgh. He retired a two-time Steelers team MVP in 1993.

14: HEATH MILLER

TE, VIRGINIA CAVALIERS, 2005

Easily the greatest Steelers tight end of all-time, Heath Miller will be forever remembered and loved by Pittsburgh and its fans. The 2004 John Mackey Award winner somehow slipped to the bottom of the first round in 2005, and found himself in black and yellow after three years with the Virginia Cavaliers.

The 30th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, Miller started his career on a high-note, earning the starting job in his rookie season. That year, he went on to catch 39 passes for 459 yards and six touchdowns.

Miller became a favorite target, especially in the red zone, for second-year quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In just one season with the Steelers, No. 83 won his first Super Bowl and the team’s fifth all-time.

The tight end went on to be named a two-time Pro Bowler throughout his 11-year NFL career, and won two championships along the way. Finishing his career with 6,569 yards and 45 touchdowns, Miller enshrined himself in the hearts of Steelers fans for years to come.

The chant “Heeaaaatthhhhh,” will forever live as a landmark in Steelers history. Honoring the greatest pass-catching big man to wear the uniform was an easy call here at No. 23 for the Steelers all-time.

13: RYAN SHAZIER

LB, OHIO STATE BUCKEYES, 2014

A heartbreaking story that many hope turns into one of the greatest sports comebacks of all-time, Ryan Shazier could have easily solidified himself amongst the greats by the time his career was over. But after a devastating spinal cord injury, the career of one of the league’s most promising players is on hold.

Shazier came to Pittsburgh as the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The former Ohio State Buckeye was a first-team All-American in his sophomore season and turned plenty of heads with his electrifying speed and jaw-dropping hits.

In the Steel City, Shazier was placed into an immediate starting role and took little time to become a star at linebacker. After just two seasons, Shazier was named a Pro Bowler and highly considered as one of the league’s brightest young talents on the defensive side of the ball.

After three full seasons, Shazier racked up 299 tackles, seven sacks, seven forced fumbles and seven interceptions. Although he’s contributing from the sidelines for the time being, he’s still one of the greatest first-round steals the Steelers have found. Hard to believe 14 teams passed on a talent like Shazier. Let’s hope he plays for Pittsburgh once again, sooner rather than later.

12: CASEY HAMPTON

DT, TEXAS LONGHORNS, 2001

No one will ever forget the way Casey Hampton’s gigantic head barely fit into a helmet. The 320-pound nose tackle was the force in the middle of the defense for a decade in the Steel City. The 19th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft turned a highly decorated college career at Texas into an equally impressive career in the NFL as a member of the Steelers.

Straight, right, left was the motto for “Big Snack.” Playing in 157 regular season games throughout his career, Hampton became known as one of the toughest defensive lineman in all of football.

It took him two seasons to earn Pro Bowl recognition, being named to the team five times throughout his career. Then in 2005 on biggest stage of his football career, Hampton engraved his name in Steelers’ history by sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in Super Bowl XL in Detroit. This sealed a fifth Super Bowl victory for the Steelers franchise.

Hampton finished his NFL tenure with 373 tackles, nine sacks and four forced fumbles. He’s now a member of the Steelers’ All-Time Team and hoping to one day earn his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

11: BILL DUDLEY

RB, VIRGINIA CAVALIERS, 1942

The No. 1 overall pick in the 1942 NFL Draft didn’t spend his entire career in Pittsburgh, but he did make the most of his time in black and yellow. The All-American out of Virginia has a rushing style like no other, and was the clear-cut choice for a Steelers team looking for someone to literally do it all.

In his rookie season, Dudley rushed for 696 yards, completed 35 passes for 438 yards, punted the ball 18 times, returned 20 kicks for 271 yards and 11 punts for 298 yards. Little to be said, he was named an All-Pro in his first NFL season.

Dudley then spent three years in the Army where he played for the Army Football Team during World War II.

After returning to the Steelers in 1945, Dudley didn’t miss a beat. In his first full season back in the NFL in 1946, Dudley became the league’s MVP. Along with the award, he was named first-team All-Pro and led the league in rushing and interceptions.

Dudley was traded to the Detroit Lions the following season and finished his career with two Pro Bowl selections. He would eventually be inducted into the Steelers Legends Team.

10: DAVID DECASTRO

G, STANFORD CARDINAL, 2012

When David DeCastro left Stanford in 2012, he was already a unanimous All-American and two-time All-Pac-12 member. But heading to the 2012 NFL Draft, he was one of the hottest commodities and a player every Pittsburgh Steelers fan wanted to be on their team.

The 24th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, DeCastro came to a team much in need of some finishing pieces to their offensive line. Pittsburgh had one of the league’s strongest defenses, a Hall of Fame level quarterback and some of the brightest young stars in the AFC.

What they needed most, though, was that interior lineman to hold the pieces together. They found that in DeCastro. So far, he’s proven to be everything this team could’ve asked for and more.

Through the 2017 NFL season, DeCastro has been named a three-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro and one-time Second-Team All-Pro. At age 28, he’s played in 82 NFL games and continues to be the strongest part of Pittsburgh’s formidable offensive line.

The future appears just as bright as the road behind for the veteran offensive guard. As Pittsburgh continues to hunt for the seventh Lombardi Trophy, DeCastro will be the driving force along the Steelers offensive line.

9: MAURKICE POUNCEY

C, FLORIDA GATORS, 2010

Maurkice Pouncey was the beginning of a Steelers offensive line that would one day become a top-tier NFL unit. The 18th overall pick in 2010, Pouncey headed to the NFL with All-American honors, a BCS National Championship and a Rimington Trophy.

It was easy to see why the Steelers wanted Pouncey, and he’s yet to disappoint. Despite a few injury issues throughout his career, the Pittsburgh center has started the growth of the offensive line that now dominates the NFL.

A six-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro and two-time Second-Team All-Pro, Pouncey is already looking at a Hall of Fame ballot five years after his retirement.

Now searching for his first Super Bowl, Pouncey has no timetable for the remaining length of his NFL tenure. A rock in the middle of this team’s success, Pittsburgh is hoping to keep their center active for as long as possible.

8: LYNN SWANN

WR, USC TROJANS, 1974

It’s impossible to mention first-round superstars in the NFL without mentioning Lynn Swann. The USC Trojan was born to succeed, and has seen nothing shy of it throughout his football career. As the 21st pick in the 1974 NFL Draft, Swann came to Pittsburgh as a National Champion and left a Super Bowl legend.

His NFL career took him from a Pro Bowler in just his second season to Canton Ohio, where he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2001. During his nine year career, Swann was a two-time Pro Bowler, 1981 NFL Man of the Year, four-time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl X MVP.

It was more than just his famous catch against the Dallas Cowboys that embarked him in Pittsburgh history. Everything he did throughout his nine years on the field were loved by the Steelers and their fans.

Today, Swann returns to USC where he is the athletic director for his alma mater. He’s embarked on a political career and partial ownership to some teams in the Pittsburgh area, but nothing will ever out-do his contributions to this city on the field.

In Pittsburgh, Lynn Swann will forever be a household name and Steel City legend.

7: TERRY BRADSHAW

QB, LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS, 1970

No. 12 may not be considered the greatest Steelers quarterback of all-time, but without him, Pittsburgh never solidifies a reputation for being one of the NFL’s most respected franchises. Without Chuck Noll taking a chance on the Louisiana Tech star with the first overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers legacy is completely different.

Terry Bradshaw’s NFL career matches any of a quarterback. In addition to his four Super Bowl rings are two Super Bowl MVPs and a league MVP. To round off his résumé, Bradshaw has three Pro Bowl selections, two passing touchdown titles and a 1979 Sportsman of the Year Award.

What Bradshaw did on the field was something special. He has left an indelible mark on the football field for Steelers fans and is one of the greatest winners at the quarterback position in NFL history.

Today, Bradshaw continues to talk sports on FOX and appear at events in Pittsburgh from time to time. Fans love to see his face throughout the city and Heinz Field still fills with No. 12 jerseys on fall Sundays.

6: FRANCO HARRIS

RB, PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS, 1972

If you put together a list of great Steelers moments, Franco Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” against the rival Oakland Raiders in the AFC playoffs is at the top, if not number two. The Steelers all-time leading rusher came to the Steel City in 1972 and took no time to becoming an impactful player for the team.

The 13th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft, Harris was an in-state college football hero for the Penn State Nittany Lions over in State College. The 1972 NFL Rookie of the Year, Harris began his NFL campaign on a hot note and never slowed down.

The nine-time Pro Bowler also earned himself a First-Team All-Pro selection in 1977. Today, he wears four Super Bowls rings with Terry Bradshaw. He followed his quarterback’s MVP performance in Super Bowl X up with his own MVP the following year.

Harris finished his career in Canton when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Despite playing a season with the Seattle Seahawks, Harris is known as a Steelers legend and comes back to town from time-to-time.

Ranked 12th all-time in rushing yards and 10th in rushing touchdowns, it’s clear to see why Harris makes the top-10 as one of the greatest first-round draft picks the Steelers have made to date.

5: TROY POLAMALU

SS, USC TROJANS, 2003

Troy Polamalu came into the NFL as one of the meanest, hard-hitting safeties in the 2003 NFL Draft. After being selected 16th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he emerged as one of the most electrifying defensive backs to play the game.

The eight-time Pro Bowler hasn’t made his way to the Hall of Fame, yet, but it’s certainly in his future. Two Super Bowl rings, a Defensive Player of the Year award and four First-Team All-Pro selections later, Polamalu left the NFL as one of the greatest players at his position.

Injuries hindered Polamalu’s career towards the end, and eventually, Pittsburgh forced his hand into retirement. But before the struggles, the long-haired turnover machine made plays no one thought were possible on the gridiron.

Currently, the relationship between Polamalu and the Steelers is nonexistent. Tensions still surround the two and their controversial ending. By the time No. 43 enters the Hall of Fame, though, fans and the organization are hoping the two sides can fix their issues.

4: ALAN FANECA

G, LSU TIGERS, 1998

Alan Faneca came into Pittsburgh without a major need on the offensive line, but turned his opportunities into a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist career. An All-American out of LSU, Faneca was drafted 26th overall by the Steelers in 1998.

Faneca didn’t earn a starting job in Pittsburgh until injuries pushed him into a starting role, but he took the pressure and ran with it. In 1998, he earned the Joe Greene Award for the team’s best rookie.

The Steelers guard went on to be named to nine Pro Bowls and earned six First-Team All-Pro honors throughout his career. Over a 13-year NFL career, Faneca started 201 games and spent 10 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He eventually moved on to play for the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Jets before retiring in 2010 as a member of the Steelers. Now, he’s a two-time finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but is still waiting for his name to be called to before inevitable Canton enshrinement.

To Pittsburgh fans, he’s one of, if not the, greatest offensive lineman to play in black and yellow. In the Steel City, he’s a Hall of Famer waiting for his turn to take that iconic podium in Canton and have his bust placed in the hall forever.

3: ROD WOODSON

CB, PURDUE BOILERMAKERS, 1987

While Troy Polamalu may be the greatest Steelers safety to complete his career in black and yellow, Rod Woodson is the greatest to come through Pittsburgh. The 10th overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft made a career for himself through eye-popping hits and some of the best highlight reels in league history.

While Woodson didn’t finish his NFL career a Steeler, he did spend 10 hall of fame years in the Steel City. During that time, he was named to seven of his 11 Pro Bowls, earn the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and was an AFC Player of the Year.

Woodson’s journey to Pittsburgh wasn’t expected, as the team believed he would be higher than the 10th pick in the draft. But a mistake by the division rival Cleveland Browns left Woodson ripe for the picking by a wise Steelers front office

After the Steel City, Woodson headed to San Francisco, Baltimore and Oakland, before finishing his career in Canton. Last fall, he was the cornerbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders, but his legacy in Pittsburgh remains untarnished.

2: BEN ROETHLISBERGER

QB, MIAMI REDHAWKS, 2004

Ben Roethlisberger may be the most beloved and hated player in Pittsburgh Steelers history. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer has secured his place as the greatest quarterback in franchise history, and without him, this team would be two Super Bowls shy of leading the NFL.

Big Ben has never been named MVP, or led the NFL in passing yards or touchdowns. What he did do is lead a team to the top of the NFL, and continue to keep it there for 15 years.

Through six Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl rings and countless unbelievable plays, Big Ben has become a legend in Pittsburgh. One of the toughest players to ever touch a field, his Steeler attitude is like no other.

From day one, the 11th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Miami (Ohio) made it known he’s a force in the league. He started with a record-setting season, and he’s hoping to leave with one as well.

But no matter what, one thing is certain for the ending of Roethlisberger’s career; he’s going to end up back where he started. Only this time, he’ll be putting on a gold jacket and giving his speech as he enters to Pro Football Hall of Fame.

1: JOE GREENE

DT, NORTH TEXAS STATE EAGLES, 1969

There is no better player to ever put on a black and yellow uniform than defensive tackle “Mean” Joe Greene. Whether we’re talking defenders, draft picks, Hall of Famers, or just impactful people, Greene tops all lists, and will stay atop all lists for the foreseeable future.

The No. 4 overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft entered the league as a quarterback crushing defensive lineman from North Texas. His first season, he won NFL Rookie of the Year, and from there, only continued to grow into the NFL’s all-time greatest.

Through his 13-year career, Greene earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards, six First-Team All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections and an NFL Man of the Year award. All on top of his four Super Bowl trophies as the most prominent piece of the Pittsburgh Steel Curtain in the 1970s.

It’s impossible not to place Greene first on any list. Without him, the Steel Curtain never exists. Pittsburgh probably doesn’t win four Super Bowls during his time. Worst of all, the Pittsburgh attitude, everyone holds dearly to this day, never establishes itself.

No one will ever replace “Mean” Joe Greene’s place in Pittsburgh. He will forever be the Steelers’ greatest player. All because the Steelers wrote his name on that slip of paper to draft him No. 4 overall in 1969. Let’s just say it was the best draft decision the Steelers have ever made to date.