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 43 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.
43. Tunch Ilkin (6th round, 1980, Indiana State)
· 16th all-time in games played in Steelers history with 176
· 2-time Pro Bowler
· Played guard along with left and right tackle
· In 176 career games committed only 15 holding penalties
· After his retirement worked with Steelers offensive linemen for decades teaching his punch techniques
· Became maybe the greatest ambassador in the history of the organization
Previously mentioned—50. Deshea Townsend, 49. Willie Gay, 48. John Jackson, 47. Mike Merriweather, 46. Brett Keisel, 45. Deshea Townsend, 44. Robin Cole
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