PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In leading up to the first ever NFL Draft held in Pittsburgh, we take a look at the 50 best Steelers draft picks.
It’s a list that includes Pro Football Hall of Famers, Hall of Honor members, players drafted since 1969 that contributed to 43 winning seasons and six Super Bowl titles over that time.
Today is number 37 with a few ground rules-its only players drafted by the Steelers, the list does not include those who were drafted by someone else and starred with the Steelers. It also does not include undrafted players.
The rankings are based on what they’ve done with the Steelers and not what they may have done after leaving Pittsburgh. Those eligible for this list are players drafted starting with Chuck Noll’s first season.
38. Louis Lipps (1st round, 1984, Southern Miss)
· 5th leading receiver in Steelers history with 6,018 yards, 6th in receptions with 358 and 7th in TD with 39
· 5th in Steelers history in punt return yards (1,212) and 3rd with 3 punt return TD
· 3 times in his career averaged over 19 yards per reception & another season at 18.9
· 1984 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year with 45 receptions, 860 yards, 9 TD, rushing TD
· 1985 59 receptions, 1134 yards, 12 TD, rushing TD, Pro Bowl
· 1st career game, 6 receptions for 183, 2 TD vs. Kansas City
· 1st game in hometown (New Orleans) had 76-yard punt return TD and 25-yard TD reception in 1984
· 1st game of 2nd career season, 9 receptions for 154 yds, 3 TD vs. Colts
· 71-yard punt return TD at KC that gave Steelers the lead they wouldn’t relinquish in 1985
· In 1988 win over Houston, 4 receptions for 166 yards, 2 TD
· 2 TD in 1989 win over KC including game-deciding 64-yard score
Previously mentioned—50. Larry Foote, 49. Willie Gay, 48. John Jackson, 47. Mike Merriweather, 46. Brett Keisel, 45. Deshea Townsend, 44. Robin Cole, 43. Tunch Ilkin, 42. Levon Kirkland, 41. Carnell Lake, 40. Darren Perry, 39. Ernie Holmes, 38. Larry Brown
Related
Coverage every day until the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh starting April 23.