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 45 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.
45. Deshea Townsend (4th round, 1998, Alabama)
· The Alabama star played in 183 games with the Steelers starting 80
· 2nd only to Ike Taylor in Steelers career passes defensed (111)
· 14th in Steelers history with 21 interceptions
· Had 8 straight seasons with multiple interceptions
· Intercepted Joe Flacco in 2008 AFC Championship Game
· Pick 6 of Tony Romo late in the 4th quarter won game against Dallas in 2008
· Pick 6 of Tom Brady helped to 34-20 win in 2004
· Intercepted Drew Brees twice including a Pick 6 in win in 2003
· 17th in Steelers history in solo tackles (383)
· 5 career forced fumbles, 3 touchdowns scored
· won Super Bowl XL, XLIII
Previously mentioned-50. Larry Foote, 49. Willie Gay, 48. John Jackson, 47. Mike Merriweather, 46. Brett Keisel
Related
Coverage every day until the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh starting April 23.