As the NFL Draft quickly approaches, everyone in “Steeler Nation” is hoping and praying that when it comes time, the Steelers make the right choices. Keeping this in mind, let’s take a look back and rate the top five draft classes in Steelers history.
Number 5: 1987 Draft
Stars: CB Rod Woodson and LB Greg Lloyd
Honorable Mentions: LB Hardy Nickerson, starter for five seasons in Pittsburgh and FB Merril Hoge, starter for six seasons.
The 1987 Draft gave the Steelers two big-time defensive play makers that helped launch the next era of dominating defense. Woodson was one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL before switching positions and becoming an All-Pro safety. Lloyd became a starter in 1989, and quickly became one of the most feared All-Pro defenders in the league while also becoming the vocal leader of the team. Lloyd and Woodson helped turn around the Steelers defense and ushered in the “Blitzburgh” era that climaxed with a trip to Super Bowl XXX.
Number 4: 1970 Draft
Stars: QB Terry Bradshaw and CB Mel Blount
Honorable Mention: WR Ron Shanklin, one-time Pro Bowler led league in 1973 with 23.7 ypc
The 1970 Draft gave the Steelers big-game quarterback with a big arm. It also gave them a corner that would dominate offenses to the point where the NFL had to step in and change the rules. Bradshaw was injected into the starting lineup right away and as the first overall pick, he faced very high expectations. After surviving some adversity in the beginning of his career, Bradshaw quickly cemented his place in team and league history. Bradshaw was a two time Super Bowl MVP, the 1978 MVP, was a three time Pro-Bowler and a one-time All-Pro. Blount gave the defense a lethal weapon in the secondary; he was a rare blend of speed, size and strength. Blount is still the Steelers franchise leader in interceptions, was a five time Pro-Bowler, and two time All-Pro.
Number 3: 1969 Draft
Stars: DT Joe Greene and DE LC Greenwood
Honorable Mention: T Jon Kolb, fixture member of offensive line started at tackle for nine seasons.
The 1969 Draft gave the Steelers two huge pieces in what would become the biggest makeover in NFL history. With their first pick the Steelers chose Greene, all he did was change a losing culture into a dynastic culture and along the way he had forged a Hall of Fame career. Greene was a Defensive Player of the Year, a 10-time Pro-Bowler and a five-time All-Pro. Greenwood was one of the biggest steals in franchise history when you consider the fact that he was a 10th-round pick. Greenwood was a six-time Pro-Bowler, two-time All-Pro and a six-time finalist for the Hall of Fame.
Number 2: 1971 Draft
Stars: LB Jack Ham, S Mike Wagner, DE Dwight White & DT Ernie Holmes
Honorable Mentions: WR Frank Lewis starter for three seasons, OL Gerry Mullins starter for six seasons and T/TE Larry Brown one-time Pro-Bowler starter for nine seasons
The Steelers were able to add a lot of significant pieces to the team in 1971 and allowed them to take another huge step towards becoming a dynasty. In the second round they picked future Hall of Fame linebacker Ham, who became a six-time All-Pro and an eight-time Pro-Bowler. They also added White and Holmes who joined Greenwood and Greene and created the “Steel Curtain” defensive line that would wreak havoc on the NFL. In the 11th round, the Steelers added Wagner who recorded 36 interceptions and recovered 12 fumbles. Wagner was a starter for eight seasons and was elected to the Pro-Bowl twice.
Number 1: 1974 Draft (As if there was any doubt)
Stars: WR Lynn Swann, LB Jack Lambert, WR John Stallworth and C Mike Webster
The number one draft class is of course the 1974 edition. This draft is not only the greatest in Steelers history; it is widely considered the best in NFL history. The Steelers drafted four future Hall of Famers, each of whom started at least eight years for the team and helped the franchise win four Super Bowls. In the first round they drafted wide receiver Swann, in the second round they drafted linebacker Lambert, in the fourth round they drafted wide receiver Stallworth and in the fifth round they drafted center Webster. These four players combined were elected to 13 All-Pro Teams and played in 24 Pro-Bowls. This draft provided the final pieces and enabled the Steelers to become the team of the decade.
Photo credit: NFL.com
