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 39 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.
39. Ernie Holmes (8th round, 1971, Texas Southern)
· Finished with estimated 39.5 sacks in only 6 seasons (NFL didn’t keep sack stats during his career)
· Part of pair of Super Bowl wins IX and X
· A founding member of the Steel Curtain
· Steelers defensive coordinator Woody Widenhofer said at times Holmes would be as dominant as Joe Greene
· Other than sacks, tackles, QB hits and tackles for loss weren’t counted during his time with Steelers
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
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