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 47 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.
47. Mike Merriweather (3rd round, 1982, Pacific)
· Played only 5 full seasons with the Steelers, making the Pro Bowl in 3 of those 5 seasons
· League did not keep tackle numbers during his career
· 11 interceptions and a pair of Pick 6s
· 8 forced fumbles and 9 fumbles recovered
· Had 15 sacks in 1984, 31 sacks in his career
· Intercepted Brian Sipe twice in 1983 win including a 31-yard Pick 6
· Had game-ending interception vs.
Cleveland in 1984
· Pick 6 against John Elway in 1985
· Forced fumble of Roger Craig led to Delton Hall 50-yard TD return, he would later intercept Joe Montana in 1987 win over San Francisco
· With Steelers up 1 point against the Chiefs with 2 minutes to play had sack on third down and interception on 4th down. (2.5 sacks for the game)
· Strip sack of Boomer Esiason helped Steelers to win over Cincinnati
Previously mentioned—50. Larry Foote, 49. Willie Gay, 48. John Jackson
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Coverage every day until the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh starting April 23.