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 41 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.
41. Carnell Lake (2nd round, 1989, UCLA)
· 3rd leading tackler in Steelers history with 677 solo stops-2 behind second place
· 16 career interceptions, 21.5 sacks and 16 career forced fumbles (7th in Steelers history)
· NFL did not register passes defensed during his career, likely would be in Steelers top 10 if not 15
· 1st career interception against Bernie Kosar to help secure 17-7 win over Cleveland in 1989
· Had an interception and fumble recovery in 1993 win over Miami
· 85-yard fumble return for TD in 28-3 win against Jacksonville
· 47-yard Pick 6 against Jim Kelly and the Bills in 1996
· 38-yard strip sack fumble return for TD against Jim Harbaugh in 24-22 win over Indy
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
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Coverage every day until the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh starting April 23.