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 24 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.
24. Mike Wagner (11th round, 1971, Western Illinois)
- 6th on the Steelers all-time list in interceptions (36)
- In his second season led the team with 6 interceptions and did the same in his final season in 1980
- Led the NFL with 8 interceptions in 1973
- Led the 1975 playoffs with 3 interceptions in Steelers Super Bowl X win over Dallas including pair of picks against Ken Stabler and Oakland in AFC Championship game
- Interception of Roger Staubach in Super Bowl X set up Steelers field goal
- Had a 3-interception game of Ken Anderson in a 1973 20-13 win over Cincinnati
- In a 1975 win over Cincy, had a 2-interception game of Ken Anderson
- Had final 3 interception game in 1980 against the Bears
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, 37. Louis Lipps, 36. Kordell Stewart, 35. Lawrence Timmons, 34. Dwayne Woodruff, 33. Jon Kolb, 32. LaMarr Woodley, 31. Jason Gildon, 30. David DeCastro, 29. LeVeon Bell, 28. Ike Taylor, 27. Aaron Smith, 26. Dwight White, 25. Joey Porter
Coverage every day until the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh starting April 23.
11th round safety Steelers 24th best draft pick since 1969
