The Top Ten Schools That Have Produced The Best NFL Talent
- Thread starter pittmeister
- Start date
ESPN TOP COLLEGES FOR NFL TALENT 2004 RANKING:
1. USC P12
2. MIAMI ACC
3. PITT ACC
4. FSU ACC
5. TENNESSEE SEC
6. UCLA P12
7. NOTRE DAME ACC RELATED
8. GEORGIA SEC
9. PENN STATE B10
10. ARIZONA STATE P12
11. MICHIGAN B10
12. OHIO STATE B10
13. FLORIDA SEC
14. NEBRASKA B10
15. OKLAHOMA STATE B12
16. CLEMSON ACC
ESPN 2004 FINAL RANKING:
No. 1 USC vs N0. 2 Miami
SEMIFINALS RANKING:
No. 1 USC vs. No. 4 Florida State
No. 2 Miami vs. No. 3 Pitt
ROUND 2 RANKINGS:
No. 1 USC vs. No. 8 Georgia
No. 2 Miami vs No. 7 Notre Dame
No. 3 Pitt vs No. 6 UCLA
No. 4 Florida State vs. No. 12 Ohio State
ROUND 3 RANKING:
No. 1 USC vs. No. 16 Clemson
No. 2 Miami vs. No. 15 Oklahoma State
No. 3 Pitt vs. No. 14 Nebraska
No. 4 Florida State vs. No. 13 Florida
No. 5. Tennessee vs. No. 12 Ohio State
No. 6 UCLA vs. No. 11 Michigan
No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Arizona State
No. 8 Georgia vs. No. 9 Penn State
NFL.COM DID ONE IN 2014:
1. MIAMI ACC
2. USC P12
3. NOTRE DAME ACC RELATED
4. PITT ACC
5. TEXAS B12
NEW LISTINGS:
1. USC P12
2. NOTRE DAME ACC RELATED
3. MIAMI ACC
4. OHIO STATE B10
5. FSU ACC
6. BAMA SEC
7. PITT ACC
8. MICHIGAN B10
9. PENN STATE B10
10. UTENN SEC
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As I said on twitter, and again I know I am repeating myself since I am so famously followed, but "PSU fans say no one cares about Pitt football, obvious NFL Scouts do."
You got that right, but then we have all these other Penn State Fans and some from other Schools that say the Top Pitt Players are over 30 and 40 years ago.....Then I show most of their Football Programs NFL Stars are really 30-40 Years ago, and they get more upset.
While Pitt's Finest right now in the NFL are in greater numbers than anything produced by Penn State, WVU or Bama.....then they cry no one cares???? But you know it upsets them!
Just look what this Article said:
Penn State:
Notables: Jack Ham, Franco Harris, Mike Michalske, Lenny Moore, Cameron Wake, Steve Wisniewski
Penn State has sent 358 players to the pros, the fourth most all-time. Six former Nittany Lions, including Pittsburgh Steelers greats Jack Ham and Franco Harris, are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Pitt:
Notables: Mike Ditka, Tony Dorsett, Rickey Jackson, Dan Marino, Curtis Martin, Darelle Revis
While nobody would confuse Pitt with a college football powerhouse these days, the school has produced some of the best players in NFL history. There are eight former Panthers in the Hall of Fame, and several more—including Larry Fitzgerald and Darrelle Revis—are strong candidates.
Right now, Fitzgerald, Revis, McCoy, and Donald are doing better as far as Records, Pro Bowls, Conference & Players Of The Year Awards, and Salaries than Penn State and WVU combined?
#7 is a pretty damn good spot to be in when you consider the amount of down time the program has gone thru. The mid 60s thru the early 70s and the 1990s comes to mind.
The Smarter Recruits with great talent choose Pitt because they can play faster, learn the game, and become NFL Stars!
The ones that choose another Program because they have many fans sit the bench and wait and watch and later wonder why they are not playing in the NFL on a higher level?
I won't use names to protect the dumbness!
I was talking about Recruits and Players that had Talent, all Marmo had was big mouth, and even Paterno refused to allow him stay another year. What a bum!
After 1989 to 1996, Pitt attracted Top Players but in far fewer numbers? But had little support from the Chancellor's Office. Pitt had only 67 Scholarships Players in 1996? Indiana University had that for years too until recently. TV Money reversed this about all Programs.
Good question, but you should ask also why other Schools have not kept up with Pitt even with all their winning, great recruiting, and breaking NCAA Rules with Scandals?
After 1996, Nordenberg changed that and brought in Pederson that brought in Harris, and they found the money to finally fund 82 Scholarships by 2002? Walt Hariis was a superb "Teacher & Thinker" and taught solid Fundamentals, but not so much a Recruiter? Additionally, Walt had one of the lowest Paying Staffs in CFB that caused many Assistants to come and go! Fitzgerald did not have Pitt on his lists but Father did by stopping at Pitt on his way to Penn State Trip. Harris still attracted unique Talent like in Flacco and Revis, but not in numbers needed to win more. His Coaching also lost 2 to 3 games they should have won! Walt burned out!
Wannstedt improved recruiting and it was McCoy's Father that made McCoy come to Pitt after he committed to Penn State. Coach Dave & Staff taught Fundamentals as well as using all his previous CFB and NFL experience. Coach Dave was often undercut by Pederson and Pederson was great liar about promoting only Pederson over Pitt and what he could do? NU President Pearlman mentioned it, but Nordenberg rewarded it!
After that, Pitt went through Pederson Personality Poison changing coaches lie Musical Chairs every few years, few to none Programs can handle that kind of Athletic Director Mismanagement? Clearly, when some NCAA rules were broken at Michigan and WVU by Coach Rod and they changed Coaches and Athletic Directors they had turmoil as well as WVU still does right now without the same Quality of Players as Pitt has had over the last 15 years?
Penn State the same, going through Scandals that caused many coaching changes and AD's and Presidents? Paterno even during all his years had more First round Bust than all FBS Programs and no one ever questions that about his poor coaching in that respect?
It took Bama a Decade to find another bear Bryant in Saban? USC is still reeling from the Mckay and Carroll years. Notre Dame has had many coaches since Holtz! Ohio State finally got Meyers to come back home to Ohio and Michigan brought back Harbaugh. Miami and Texas have had trouble to with coaches.
These are the Programs Pitt ranks with in producing the Best Players in NFL History yesterday and today and other Programs have to live with being jealous of it?
The question they never can answer and I allude to WVU and Penn State is when they cannot explain that none of their Fans that come out in great numbers ever produced as smart and talented recruits and Graduate as Pitt?
Smart Recruits choose Pitt and the Programs where they can play faster and learn to be a Great Pro, and Pitt does that right with Miami, ND, USC, Texas, Michigan, and Ohio State and Penn State and WVU does not?
In fact, if a Recruit wants to become a First Round NFL Bust go to Penn State as their History has proven they fail their Players every year?
I guess none of those 67,000 or 107,000 Fans can produce Great NFL Players but they have produces a lot of Short Career NFL Nobodies? Sorry, facts matter!
Harris and Wanny take too much heat IMO. Both definitely had their limits, I think Narduzzi is already a step ahead of them. However, Walt was great with QB's, which is why we didn't need a top one, he could make any QB good.
Wanny on the other hand, for all the bashing of Pitt when he left, I'll say it again. I think it was more towards Pederson. Nobody on earth wants to work for that guy. Last year even he had good things to say about Paul Chryst, but mentioned that he only hoped the AD would back up the coach with resources needed.
Wanny on the other hand, for all the bashing of Pitt when he left, I'll say it again. I think it was more towards Pederson. Nobody on earth wants to work for that guy. Last year even he had good things to say about Paul Chryst, but mentioned that he only hoped the AD would back up the coach with resources needed.
"Pittx9, post: 401480, member: 15348"]Harris and Wanny take too much heat IMO. Both definitely had their limits, I think Narduzzi is already a step ahead of them. However, Walt was great with QB's, which is why we didn't need a top one, he could make any QB good.
True, Flacco spent 2 years at Pitt but credits Harris with helping develop into an NFL QB. Big Ben also came to Walt Harris QB Camps at Pitt during the summers and said he learned much from him.
Morelli did the opposite and is never developed as he could have had he chose Pitt! Terrelle Pryor made the same mistake just seeing how over 8 teams have cut him?
Wanny on the other hand, for all the bashing of Pitt when he left, I'll say it again. I think it was more towards Pederson. Nobody on earth wants to work for that guy. Last year even he had good things to say about Paul Chryst, but mentioned that he only hoped the AD would back up the coach with resources needed.
Coach Dave knew what it took to build a Top 25 Football Program he was part of it at Pitt in the 1970s, OKSU and Miami later too. Pederson never did know and Wannstedt was spot on about Pederson and is still respected in CFB, Pederson is not respected anywhere except with Howland at Missy State and they won't hire Pederson either!
Pederson became a great expert in Buyouts including his own at Pitt and NU?
True, Flacco spent 2 years at Pitt but credits Harris with helping develop into an NFL QB. Big Ben also came to Walt Harris QB Camps at Pitt during the summers and said he learned much from him.
Morelli did the opposite and is never developed as he could have had he chose Pitt! Terrelle Pryor made the same mistake just seeing how over 8 teams have cut him?
Wanny on the other hand, for all the bashing of Pitt when he left, I'll say it again. I think it was more towards Pederson. Nobody on earth wants to work for that guy. Last year even he had good things to say about Paul Chryst, but mentioned that he only hoped the AD would back up the coach with resources needed.
Coach Dave knew what it took to build a Top 25 Football Program he was part of it at Pitt in the 1970s, OKSU and Miami later too. Pederson never did know and Wannstedt was spot on about Pederson and is still respected in CFB, Pederson is not respected anywhere except with Howland at Missy State and they won't hire Pederson either!
Pederson became a great expert in Buyouts including his own at Pitt and NU?
It's as much a testimony to the quality of football in the Pittsburgh region. You don't have to travel very far east to see that the quality of play drops off significantly. I'd be interested to see how many "greats" grew up in the region that support those lists. For all schools.
Yeah, we have a lot from back in the day, but so would PSU. What is amazing, in the last dozen years we have produced Donald, Shady, Revis, Fitz, Andy Lee, that is still pretty impactful.
You mean NFL scouts not employed by the Steelers. I'm a Steeler fan, but I can't understand why they don't like Pitt players. But they sure are stuck on PoSU.
No. I didn't mean that. It was a shot at Nitters who constantly shoot at our attendance. Has nothing to do with Steelers.
And on that note, what Pitt Players should the Steelers have drafted? Who? Fitz? He went 2nd overall? Revis? They tried to trade up supposedly. Donald? Again he was drafted before the Steelers picked and doesn't fit their 3-4 scheme. Shady? Yeah? I would take L'veon Bell 10 times out of 10 times over Shady. The Steelers are the winningest franchise in the modern NFL. I think they know what they are doing most of the time.
PS...yeah I know, they blew it on Marino.
Yes Marino was the only one they really, really blew. And boy did they big time. I'm almost 100% positive if the Jets didn't trade up to the pick right in front of us though, Darrelle Revis would be a Steeler.
Another major difference from the Pitt Program being with the Elite Programs in producing Quality Top NFL talent but not winning with them has some other factors.
Factors:
1. College Football Programs cost a lot of dollars to run and can bankrupt any University if it cannot find the dollars to support it. There is travel, scholarships, insurance, meals, equipment, and that takes money. Pitt even in the 1970-80s when it rebuilt the Football Program still require outside contributors and never could just keep all the money coming in as an Independent. This meant smaller Roster later on and once losing kept Pitt from Major Bowls the increasing costs of Top Programs on Coached salaries, assistants just kept rising. Pitt did not keep up just as Syracuse, WVU, Miami, FSU, Virginia Tech, ND, Penn State, BC return to winning in the Top 25 as Pitt after 1989 disappeared! Just as when Penn State, Miami, ND, WVU, and FSU started to play for National Championship Games sometimes against each other as well as knocking each other out of NCS Games during the season.
2. In the 1980s Pitt started out great but the other Major Independents started going to the Major Big Payout Bowls even more than Conference Champions that had to share bowl Money. The other Independent Programs allowed them to grow their Programs even more with TV and Bowl Money and played each other in National Championship Games. Even Pitt recruiting could not keep up with so many more Programs now winning in the Top 25!
3. At this same period if time, these other Independent Programs hired better College Athletic Directors, Coaches from University President now with their own vision to keep their CFB Programs in the Top 25. Pitt did not keep up with selecting the right people and losing more as they won more made it even harder!
4. This meant overtime the Pitt Program could maintain Bigger Rosters. Now all Programs had limits on 85 NCAA Scholarships but the ones that could afford it added many more Walk-Ons and had many More 4th and 5th Year Role Players. Some Schools had Rosters of over 200 Players like Nebraska, others had 180 Players and most had 130 to 145! When injuries happen it was these Role Players that had practiced 4 and 5 years that could fill in at critical times and win games. This meant the Teams won more than Pitt, just when Pitt could no longer afford such Larger Rosters and Role Players. Yet, Pitt produced some Top Talent but not Top 25 Winning Teams without the Bigger Rosters. In addition, the Programs that were winning started to out recruits Pitt!
5. In the 1980s the Big East Basketball League (Way Before The Big Ten Network) was the first to start and own its TV Network just after the Supreme Court ruled Universities own all properties rights not the NCAA. They made much more money and invited Pitt to join under its criteria of a City Team over Penn State. This vote came from the Big East Basketball Schools. Yet, College Basketball Programs at their best can earn $15 million, but bigger and better College Football Programs could earn $45 Million. This was at a time when Nike started paying Coaches, Equipment, Uniforms and Shoes and those Programs no longer had to pay for them. Pitt demise in Football and rise in Basketball was not as profitable as other programs making good money in Football.
6. As stated earlier, Football Programs can make great profits they keep winning but can go bankrupt fast too, if they start to lose. The Costs are just so much higher? Yet, finding and keeping great ADs and Coaches is even tougher as many changes happen. Pitt could not even fund its full 85 Scholarships and neither could Duke, Indiana, Illinois, Wake, Vanderbilt, UCLA, Minnesota by the 1990s! All became bottom feeders and recruiting cost had to be contained, but Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, and Notre Dame still had 3,000 Players from 8th to 12th Grades going to their Summer Camps and Coaching Clinics of over 700 High School Coaches paid to come, These advantages of these Profitable Programs along with affording Larger Rosters, Larger Salaries for Head Coaches & Staffs caused them to win more easily and more, even though Pitt kept finding some Recruiting Gems that could play sooner and often and Sleepers! Yet, these also became factors is another reason why Pitt did not win more? The same obstacles were confronted by other Programs in the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, etc not just Pitt.
7. Finally, Nordenberg took over and hired Pederson to rebuild Pitt Sports especially in Football, but he did better at hiring Ben Howland and his Assistant Jamie Dixon with Sonny Vaccaro's recommendation. Walt Harris had a tougher time but both FB & BB turned back to winning by 2000. Yet, Conferences snapped up Independents by 1994 to enhance their Football Conference TV Money, Bowl Participation Money, and Other Programs started rise with hiring better ADs and coaches such as Iowa, Wisky. Oregon, KSU, and recruiting became more competitive.
Big East got raided and rebuilt as ACC expanded, Big-12 went from losing 4 to 10 Teams, as SEC and Big Ten expanded.
8. Still, even with all this turmoil Big East Basketball actually did great and Big Ten Football held on to its BCS Bowl Bids. Pederson left and Wannstedt and Dixon weer chosen by Nordenberg to expand Pitt Winnings in both sports and they did. They also attracted better recruiting classes, and Stars!
9. It is a funny thing how Family can help a Recruit be smarter or dumber when choosing Programs best for them? Look at how Fitzgerald without any pressure from his Father heard about Walt Harris West Coast Passing Offense and decided on their way to Ohio State and then to Penn State to stop at Pitt. After all was looked at, Fitz said to his Father, "You know Dad I think I can catch more passes at Pitt than Ohio State," and his Father responded, "I think you are right son!"
Now compare that to Tony Morelli's Father that undercut his commitment to Pitt and acted like horses ass, and Tiny never lived up to his abilities and ratings when he decommitted from Pitt and went to Penn State. Morelli's Father ruined his sons career and ability to make millions well Fitz's Father improved Fitz to make the right call for himself!
Additionally, look how Terrele Pryor decommitted from Pitt and chose Ohio State by trashing Pitt and its recruits calling them losers. Only to end up trashing Ohio State and no longer welcomed back there, getting their Coach fired, and can't even make an NFL Team after 8 Cuts? Pryor was one of the most talented Players ever to come out of Western Pennsylvania, but a College Football Scandal, and NFL Bust?
Yet, here come Shady McCoy all happy he committed to Penn State! But His Father committed to Wannstedt that Shady would visit Pitt and after a bored trip, Shady chose Pitt because he and his Dad knew he could play at Pitt right away instead of sitting the bench at Paterno's Penn State. Again, Shady's Father just made sure his son a Top Recruit consider all his options. Shady broke records at Pitt and NFL and All Pro and NFC Offensive Player of the Year! Same with Revis versus Fosters choices?
10. The simple fact remains the smartest recruits look at who is from of them on the teams they are looking for to commit, as well as possible future recruits that might come right them? They then seek advice from their parents, high school coaches, and then make a comparison evaluation? It not just about winning, playing before 100,000 fans, being part of 145 player roster, and playing for National Championships or great coaches & profitable Programs.
It is always about the recruit and his competition at the Program he will competing or and how much faster he can play and learn the game to become better and not sit on a bench watching 100,000 drunkard fans.
Revis played at Pitt under two coaches, Donald and Boyd too!
Smart beats Dumb, just ask Nick Marmo, Tony Morelli, Terrele Pryor, Rushel Shell, and Robert Foster! All would have been better coached at Pitt. learn and played faster?
Recruits that chose Pitt have proven they do better than those that chose PSU & WVU! Smart beats Dumb every time!
The fact that WVU, PSU and Bama Posters that come on the Lair and can't compliment the Pitt Program on producing more Higher Quality NCAA & NFL Record Breaking Players in College and the NFL with far less resources, rosters, and less players in the Draft and NFL, only proves their lack of character and respect for themselves being jealous about it and saying that does not matter just winning? They are poor example of their University teaching less to them and know not how to respect and admire something their Programs have not done as well as Pitt Programs in all of the history of the CFB & NFL football and especially the last 15 years during the worse period for Pitt Football Program stability in Conferences, Coaches and Pederson?
Meanwhile, Bama did return to winning Championship but only after major Sanctions from the NCAA for years after Bryant and before Saban! But still has less Players in the College and NFL Hall of Fames and less NFL Awards like Pro Ball, Players of the yesr the last 15 years. In spite have having way more Players NFL Drafted, Consensus All Americans and in the NFL under one of the best and finest programs in CFB History?
Same for Penn State and WVU that won more games and before sell outs but cannot equal in attracting Higher Quality talent like Pitt the last 15 or 115 years? Both had huge Athletics Scandals, Academic Scandals and NCAA Sanctions too and Coaches breaking and not following all the Rules, Regulations and Laws that brought shame to their Programs, University and fans even if they won more games before 65,000-100,000 Fans, but not better Players for the NFL?
Smart Recruits become Smarter Players at Pitt and in the NFL better than most others Programs except for Miami, USC, ND, OSU, & Texas and Pitt is right there too, but not in winning!
They know it and can't accept it, so they say it doesn't matter, but Sport Writers Articles, NCAA & NFL Awards, Hall Of Fames and other recognition of substance were created to Honor The Best and just because their Football program are behind of Pitt in these aspects of their Program and Universities, they pout and shout it doesn't matter?
As stated, smart recruits choose Pitt maybe in less numbers and less winning, but right up there in NCAA & NFL History and Money Makers!
Just like many PSU Players on record this year before him, Hackenberg now cannot wait to leave Penn State, same with coach O'Brien?
In the case of WVU, many boosters can't wait to dump Holgrosen either?
Pitt has had Coaches that could not wait to leave Pitt, but far Players that did better in the NFL than PSU & WVU?
It just sucks that our on field W/L success doesn't match the other names on the lists.
The really good ones are usually gone when the Steelers pick. I remember they took a Pitt OT #1 in the early '90s and he was such a bust I can't remember his name. They had 2 #1s that year. And yes they blew it on Marino IMO.
I must be older than you. I'm not talking recent there have been quite a few they could have had through the years. I'm talking from the 1970's and on. They have passed on Pitt players.
In 1975 they passed on Gary Burley (DE) and chose Bob Barber (DE) in the 2nd round. Later in the 12th round they chose Greg Murphy (DE) from Penn State in the 12th round. In fact they chose THREE DEs in that draft. They also drafted a DB from Elon who didn't make the squad when Pitt had a DB available. No Pitt players drafted by them.
In 1976 they drafted Ron Coder (G) from Penn St in the 3rd round. Walt Brett (G) of Pitt was available and was drafted in the 4th round by Atlanta. There were a few Pitt players available in later rounds, back then there were 17 rounds, and they passed on them for others. If you are drafting in late rounds you are taking chances on all of them so why not take a chance on hometown kids?
In 1978 they DID take Randy Reutershan and center Tom Brzoza. No Penn State players drafted by them. But they passed on J.C. Wilson (DB) and took Larry Anderson (DB). Anderson was mostly known for kick return. They also passed on Willie Taylor (WR) for Andre Keys of Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo.
1981 they drafted Anthony Washington (DB) in the 3rd round, Carlton Williamson went in the 4th round to San Francisco. As all teams in the NFL they draft for needs, but Mark May (1st Rd), Rickey Jackson (2nd Rd), Greg Meisner (3rd Rd), Russ Grim (3rd Rd), Bill Neill (5th Rd), Lynn Thomas (5th Rd), Benji Pryor (5th Rd), Jerry Boyarsky (5th Rd) were available to them.
The Steelers first five drafts that year were Keith Gary (DE), Anthony Washington (DB), Rick Donally (C), Robbie Martin (WR), and Ricky Martin (WR). They did draft Rick Trocano in the 11th round.
1982 they drafted Emil Boures and Sal Sunseri from Pitt.
1983 was the most glaring example. Of course they felt at that time they did not need a QB, but they passed on Dan Mario and took Gabe Rivera in the first round. I did see Gabe's scout film and he really looked impressive. But I do have the advantage of hind sight too. The next five rounds they took three wide receivers, including Gregg Garrity of Penn State, he played 8 years and had 6 total TDs. Julius Dawkins was drafted a few rounds later, he played 2 years and had 3 TDs. Not a lot of difference between the two, they were below average at best.
1988 they could have had Billy Owens in the 11th round! How can you not draft Billy Owens!?! I'm kidding. But still.
1989, to be fair, they drafted two Pitt players and another from Pitt-Johnstown. No state penners.
1990 they passed on Marc Spindler for Kenny Davidson.
1991 they passed on Curvin Richards for Leroy Thompson of Penn St. In the 9th round they could have drafted Louis Riddick.
That's all I have at the moment. In the recent past they seem to give chances to Penn State players and bring them in as projects when there were Pitt players that were just as good.
In 1975 they passed on Gary Burley (DE) and chose Bob Barber (DE) in the 2nd round. Later in the 12th round they chose Greg Murphy (DE) from Penn State in the 12th round. In fact they chose THREE DEs in that draft. They also drafted a DB from Elon who didn't make the squad when Pitt had a DB available. No Pitt players drafted by them.
In 1976 they drafted Ron Coder (G) from Penn St in the 3rd round. Walt Brett (G) of Pitt was available and was drafted in the 4th round by Atlanta. There were a few Pitt players available in later rounds, back then there were 17 rounds, and they passed on them for others. If you are drafting in late rounds you are taking chances on all of them so why not take a chance on hometown kids?
In 1978 they DID take Randy Reutershan and center Tom Brzoza. No Penn State players drafted by them. But they passed on J.C. Wilson (DB) and took Larry Anderson (DB). Anderson was mostly known for kick return. They also passed on Willie Taylor (WR) for Andre Keys of Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo.
1981 they drafted Anthony Washington (DB) in the 3rd round, Carlton Williamson went in the 4th round to San Francisco. As all teams in the NFL they draft for needs, but Mark May (1st Rd), Rickey Jackson (2nd Rd), Greg Meisner (3rd Rd), Russ Grim (3rd Rd), Bill Neill (5th Rd), Lynn Thomas (5th Rd), Benji Pryor (5th Rd), Jerry Boyarsky (5th Rd) were available to them.
The Steelers first five drafts that year were Keith Gary (DE), Anthony Washington (DB), Rick Donally (C), Robbie Martin (WR), and Ricky Martin (WR). They did draft Rick Trocano in the 11th round.
1982 they drafted Emil Boures and Sal Sunseri from Pitt.
1983 was the most glaring example. Of course they felt at that time they did not need a QB, but they passed on Dan Mario and took Gabe Rivera in the first round. I did see Gabe's scout film and he really looked impressive. But I do have the advantage of hind sight too. The next five rounds they took three wide receivers, including Gregg Garrity of Penn State, he played 8 years and had 6 total TDs. Julius Dawkins was drafted a few rounds later, he played 2 years and had 3 TDs. Not a lot of difference between the two, they were below average at best.
1988 they could have had Billy Owens in the 11th round! How can you not draft Billy Owens!?! I'm kidding. But still.
1989, to be fair, they drafted two Pitt players and another from Pitt-Johnstown. No state penners.
1990 they passed on Marc Spindler for Kenny Davidson.
1991 they passed on Curvin Richards for Leroy Thompson of Penn St. In the 9th round they could have drafted Louis Riddick.
That's all I have at the moment. In the recent past they seem to give chances to Penn State players and bring them in as projects when there were Pitt players that were just as good.
SUPERB POST! Very detailed with great knowledge and please keep posting, I very much appreciate your knowledge and learned many things from your Post!
Thank You!
I shall, will, and cannot disagree with you! It also can be stated that Schools with way better Success in wins than Pitt the last 15 years cannot out produce Pitt with Higher Caliber Recruits they brag about every year, over that period of time and in the History of College and Pro Football!
It also sucks they love saying Pitt Sucks but when it is pointed out they are behind Pitt in producing Higher Caliber Elite Players, that says how badly they suck in reality worse than Pitt in that category! Especially since they have had the more stable, wealthier, resources, recruiting, advantages with more winning and also are not in that Elite status after all these years!
Finally, Fans, Alumni and Contributors from others Programs hate the facts that recruits once they learn it and still go to those schools often have buyers remorse and end up hurting themselves in not playing better, making more money, and they end sucking more too!
At the time, the Steelers taking a QB to WR project (Randel El) when expected late first-rounder and Bilettnikoff-winner Antonio Bryant was surprisingly still on the board at the end of the 2nd was very irritating as a Pitt fan at the time. The Cowboys then took him with the next pick.
The QB-conversion project obviously worked out fine for the Steelers, but I really wanted to see Bryant stay in town at that time.
The QB-conversion project obviously worked out fine for the Steelers, but I really wanted to see Bryant stay in town at that time.
Good post and you mean Tom Ricketts in 1989 and his son chose Penn State over Pitt but later transfered to Pitt?
Here is a Great Website on the Steelers and the NFL Draft and related items!
LINK:
http://6thring.com/pittsburgh-steelers-first-round-draft-picks.html
List of Pittsburgh Steelers
first round draft picks
Updated: May 2014
Pittsburgh Steelers first round draft picks, since 1969:
Sources: Pittsburgh Steelers media guide, nfl.com for picks; commentary © 6thring.com
2014 — Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State (15) — Purportedly ran the 40 in 4.0. Mike Tomlin said, "Quite frankly, the man doesn't have any holes," while Kevin Colbert asserted, "He's a defensive playmaker." Seems like a Chad Brown-type of prospect, a bit smaller but faster.
2013 — Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia (17) — Team claimed to be "happy" that his 40 time was 4.9, making him available at 17; no question about college production or level of competition but concerns about not being taken higher in weak draft. Struggled as a rookie, pushed around too much despite some obvious football skill.
2012 — David DeCastro, G, Stanford (24) — Highest-rated guard in the draft considered sure thing for team with worst pair of starting guards in NFL. So far a bust; bull-rushed too easily. Signature skill appears to be pulling in running game. A Pac-10/12 player with little contact with team pre-draft.
2011 — Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State (31) — High-character, high-motor, reliable prospect from high-level program, had better rookie year than Ziggy Hood, still suspect against the run but had breakout 2013 and figures to be team's best pass-rushing lineman since Aaron Smith's early seasons.
2010 — Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida (18) — Widely expected to be drafted by Steelers to play either guard (initially) or center (permanently), a hit upon arrival; ran incumbent center Justin Hartwig off the roster en route to Pro Bowl as 21-year-old; since then has been overrated but quality player.
2009 — Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DT, Missouri (32) — High motor declarations seemed overdone in lackluster career. Well-rounded college player brought in to address age of team’s defensive ends, unable to start behind two incumbents, played well in spots and is legit NFL starter, but so far nothing special against either run or pass.
2008 — Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois (23) — Worst pick of the Kevin Colbert era. Highly regarded RB prospect, surprisingly available at 23, tremendous cutting/acceleration skills, entered draft too early, somewhat aloof, not ideally physical enough for every-down NFL back, played best ball during 2010 season that helped team reach Super Bowl.
2007 — Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State (15) — Surprisingly drafted ahead of LaMarr Woodley; young, raw, quick-twitch player chosen for "run and hit" skills, struggled to get on field as a rookie, flashed limited game-breaking potential in Year 2. Great football I.Q. Ideally suited for passing downs, but something holds him back from stardom.
2006 — Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State (25, after trade from 32) — The pick, or trade-up, that delivered Super Bowl 43. Taken to replace Antwaan Randle El; played quality, if below-potential, football for two seasons, dominated the NFL in the latter half of 2008 season. Off-field incidents and concentration lapses prompted embarrassing trade to Jets in 2010.
2005 — Heath Miller, TE, Virginia (30) — Merger of need and best available athlete at 30, elite-level performer with big role in two titles.
2004 — Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Miami (Ohio) (11) — The modern pick on par with Joe Greene or Terry Bradshaw, one of NFL's greatest all-time quarterbacks.
2003 — Troy Polamalu, S, USC (16, after trade from 27) — A trade-up seeking to bolster a shattered secondary, contributed little as a rookie, major NFL impact player thereafter.
2002 — Kendall Simmons, G, Auburn (30) — Effective at tackle at Auburn, fine rookie season but never an elite talent, game declined after discovery of diabetic condition in Year 2.
2001 — Casey Hampton, NT, Texas (19, after trade from 16) — Shored up defensive line from Day 1, longtime starter, a 2-down player but one of NFL's most reliable nose tackles.
2000 — Plaxico Burress, WR, Michigan State (8) — Poor rookie season, a significant NFL threat by Year 2, capable of dominating but not the most focused player, allowed to leave after quality five-year career.
PART II BELOW:
1999 — Troy Edwards, WR, Louisiana Tech (13) — Massive reach for desperately needed WR, small and slow, but could run after catch impressively. Best season was rookie year, then eclipsed by Hines Ward.
1998 — Alan Faneca, G, Louisiana State (26) — Came out as junior, might've gone higher a year later, longtime linchpin of line and in the discussion for NFL Hall of Fame.
1997 — Chad Scott, CB, Maryland (24) — Total need pick for depleted CB corps on Super Bowl contender, impressed as a rookie, career interrupted in Year 2 by knee injury, an average starter for years but no impact player.
1996 — Jamain Stephens, OT, North Carolina A&T (29) — Perhaps the most famous bust in team history given round (first), size (6-7, 340 or so), small school. Barely got on the field, managed to last three years before cutting.
1995 — Mark Bruener, TE, Washington (27) — Instant reliability at TE as rookie during Super Bowl run, then receiving ability fell off a cliff. Lasted forever as a blocking TE.
1994 — Charles Johnson, WR, Colorado (17) — Draft day reach in an unimpressive year for receivers, not very big or fast, decent NFL receiver and occasional starter for several years.
1993 — Deon Figures, CB, Colorado (23) — Regarded as a bit slow on draft day, taken nonetheless, marginal pro career affected by 1994 shooting in California.
1992 — Leon Searcy, OT, Miami (Fla.) (11) — A year to get on the field, three years to impress, a free agent departure after suddenly hitting it big.
1991 — Huey Richardson, LB, Florida (15) — On the short list of team's biggest busts ever. Hybrid pass-rushing project so ineffective at OLB, was tested as an ILB/DE combo. Cut after one miserable year.
1990 — Eric Green, TE, Liberty (21, after trade from 17) — Physically, most gifted player ever for his position, enormous size, agility, and hands that caught ball like a softball; struggled with focus and off-field issues in dubious, at times impressive, Steelers career.
1989(a) — Tim Worley, RB, Georgia (7); — Big reach at No. 7; struggled with off-field issues and lacked strong football IQ, but briefly showed high-caliber NFL talent and helped team to playoff success in 1989.
1989(b) — Tom Ricketts, OT, Pittsburgh (24) — Size better suited to 1970s than 1990s; poorly skilled player for first round, probably never on the radar screen if he hadn't played for Pitt; a major bust from Day 1.
1988 — Aaron Jones, DE, Eastern Kentucky (18) — Fourth DL taken with first pick in decade, starter by default only, massive bust.
1987 — Rod Woodson, CB, Purdue (10) — Surprised to find him available at 10, very difficult to sign, legendary Hall of Fame performer.
1986 — Jon Rienstra, G, Temple (9) — Taken extremely high for a guard, struggled with pressures of the NFL, colossal bust.
1985 — Darryl Sims, DE, Wisconsin (20) — Another grasp at rebuilding the famous front four, one of the team's greatest-ever busts.
1984 — Louis Lipps, WR, Southern Mississippi (23) — Dazzling debut as a rookie WR and punt returner, fine career abruptly ran out of gas after about six years.
1983 — Gabriel Rivera, NT-DE, Texas Tech (21) — Drafted to be another Joe Greene with Dan Marino still on board. Slow start, played better after losing weight, then paralyzed in an auto accident.
1982 — Walter Abercrombie, RB, Baylor (12) — Never an impact player and never the successor to Franco Harris the team long sought. Played best football in 1984 playoffs and 1986 season.
1981 — Keith Gary, DE, Oklahoma (17) — Highly touted from Oklahoma as possible replacement for L.C. Greenwood, joined several NFL-caliber players in signing with Canada's Montreal Alouettes, failed first physical there, blaming nerves. Played two seasons in Canada, returned to NFL and finally signed with Steelers, had six-year career as marginal player.
1980 — Mark Malone, QB, Arizona State (28) — Project probably best-suited for WR; could do a bit of everything fairly well, throw, run, catch, but none of them well enough to be permanent NFL starter.
1979 — Greg Hawthorne, RB, Baylor (28) — Massive project, great build and combine measurables, likely ran "too upright" for an NFL halfback, virtually no production in Pittsburgh, hung around NFL a few years as a tight end.
1978 — Ron Johnson, CB, Eastern Michigan (22) — Effective rookie starter for a Super Bowl team but unable to sustain a lengthy career.
1977 — Robin Cole, LB, New Mexico (21) — Quiet, sturdy, effective defender who flew under the radar of the team's legendary linebackers.
1976 — Bennie Cunningham, TE, Clemson (28) — Popular, quality TE who was more complementary player than impact player.
1975 — Dave Brown, DB, Michigan (26) — Did not win starting job as rookie, taken by Seattle in 1976 expansion draft, enjoyed long career as very popular player for Seahawks.
1974 — Lynn Swann, WR, USC (21) — First WR taken in 1974, thought by some a bit slow for first round, perhaps the NFL's most spectacular pass-catcher of all time.
1973 — J.T. Thomas, CB, Florida State (24) — Drafted to unseat John Rowser at starting CB, started slowly, gradually became starter, quality career as defensive back.
1972 — Franco Harris, RB, Penn State (13) — Unofficial NFL MVP of 1970s. Said to be the choice over Robert Newhouse of Houston, first running back taken that year, legendary pick and player, possibly the most effective NFL running back of all time.
1971 — Frank Lewis, WR, Grambling (8) — Quality receiver but not particularly aggressive, speed demon, saved best football for years in Buffalo, 1977 trade (for Paul Seymour) a bust for Steelers, long NFL career
1970 — Terry Bradshaw, QB, Louisiana Tech (1) — Pick won in a coin flip, one of NFL's greatest prospects, and greatest players, ever.
1969 — Joe Greene, DT, North Texas State (4) — One of the NFL's greatest players, cornerstone of the modern franchise.
1998 — Alan Faneca, G, Louisiana State (26) — Came out as junior, might've gone higher a year later, longtime linchpin of line and in the discussion for NFL Hall of Fame.
1997 — Chad Scott, CB, Maryland (24) — Total need pick for depleted CB corps on Super Bowl contender, impressed as a rookie, career interrupted in Year 2 by knee injury, an average starter for years but no impact player.
1996 — Jamain Stephens, OT, North Carolina A&T (29) — Perhaps the most famous bust in team history given round (first), size (6-7, 340 or so), small school. Barely got on the field, managed to last three years before cutting.
1995 — Mark Bruener, TE, Washington (27) — Instant reliability at TE as rookie during Super Bowl run, then receiving ability fell off a cliff. Lasted forever as a blocking TE.
1994 — Charles Johnson, WR, Colorado (17) — Draft day reach in an unimpressive year for receivers, not very big or fast, decent NFL receiver and occasional starter for several years.
1993 — Deon Figures, CB, Colorado (23) — Regarded as a bit slow on draft day, taken nonetheless, marginal pro career affected by 1994 shooting in California.
1992 — Leon Searcy, OT, Miami (Fla.) (11) — A year to get on the field, three years to impress, a free agent departure after suddenly hitting it big.
1991 — Huey Richardson, LB, Florida (15) — On the short list of team's biggest busts ever. Hybrid pass-rushing project so ineffective at OLB, was tested as an ILB/DE combo. Cut after one miserable year.
1990 — Eric Green, TE, Liberty (21, after trade from 17) — Physically, most gifted player ever for his position, enormous size, agility, and hands that caught ball like a softball; struggled with focus and off-field issues in dubious, at times impressive, Steelers career.
1989(a) — Tim Worley, RB, Georgia (7); — Big reach at No. 7; struggled with off-field issues and lacked strong football IQ, but briefly showed high-caliber NFL talent and helped team to playoff success in 1989.
1989(b) — Tom Ricketts, OT, Pittsburgh (24) — Size better suited to 1970s than 1990s; poorly skilled player for first round, probably never on the radar screen if he hadn't played for Pitt; a major bust from Day 1.
1988 — Aaron Jones, DE, Eastern Kentucky (18) — Fourth DL taken with first pick in decade, starter by default only, massive bust.
1987 — Rod Woodson, CB, Purdue (10) — Surprised to find him available at 10, very difficult to sign, legendary Hall of Fame performer.
1986 — Jon Rienstra, G, Temple (9) — Taken extremely high for a guard, struggled with pressures of the NFL, colossal bust.
1985 — Darryl Sims, DE, Wisconsin (20) — Another grasp at rebuilding the famous front four, one of the team's greatest-ever busts.
1984 — Louis Lipps, WR, Southern Mississippi (23) — Dazzling debut as a rookie WR and punt returner, fine career abruptly ran out of gas after about six years.
1983 — Gabriel Rivera, NT-DE, Texas Tech (21) — Drafted to be another Joe Greene with Dan Marino still on board. Slow start, played better after losing weight, then paralyzed in an auto accident.
1982 — Walter Abercrombie, RB, Baylor (12) — Never an impact player and never the successor to Franco Harris the team long sought. Played best football in 1984 playoffs and 1986 season.
1981 — Keith Gary, DE, Oklahoma (17) — Highly touted from Oklahoma as possible replacement for L.C. Greenwood, joined several NFL-caliber players in signing with Canada's Montreal Alouettes, failed first physical there, blaming nerves. Played two seasons in Canada, returned to NFL and finally signed with Steelers, had six-year career as marginal player.
1980 — Mark Malone, QB, Arizona State (28) — Project probably best-suited for WR; could do a bit of everything fairly well, throw, run, catch, but none of them well enough to be permanent NFL starter.
1979 — Greg Hawthorne, RB, Baylor (28) — Massive project, great build and combine measurables, likely ran "too upright" for an NFL halfback, virtually no production in Pittsburgh, hung around NFL a few years as a tight end.
1978 — Ron Johnson, CB, Eastern Michigan (22) — Effective rookie starter for a Super Bowl team but unable to sustain a lengthy career.
1977 — Robin Cole, LB, New Mexico (21) — Quiet, sturdy, effective defender who flew under the radar of the team's legendary linebackers.
1976 — Bennie Cunningham, TE, Clemson (28) — Popular, quality TE who was more complementary player than impact player.
1975 — Dave Brown, DB, Michigan (26) — Did not win starting job as rookie, taken by Seattle in 1976 expansion draft, enjoyed long career as very popular player for Seahawks.
1974 — Lynn Swann, WR, USC (21) — First WR taken in 1974, thought by some a bit slow for first round, perhaps the NFL's most spectacular pass-catcher of all time.
1973 — J.T. Thomas, CB, Florida State (24) — Drafted to unseat John Rowser at starting CB, started slowly, gradually became starter, quality career as defensive back.
1972 — Franco Harris, RB, Penn State (13) — Unofficial NFL MVP of 1970s. Said to be the choice over Robert Newhouse of Houston, first running back taken that year, legendary pick and player, possibly the most effective NFL running back of all time.
1971 — Frank Lewis, WR, Grambling (8) — Quality receiver but not particularly aggressive, speed demon, saved best football for years in Buffalo, 1977 trade (for Paul Seymour) a bust for Steelers, long NFL career
1970 — Terry Bradshaw, QB, Louisiana Tech (1) — Pick won in a coin flip, one of NFL's greatest prospects, and greatest players, ever.
1969 — Joe Greene, DT, North Texas State (4) — One of the NFL's greatest players, cornerstone of the modern franchise.
Penn State Fans love to talk about Joseph Vincent Paterno Wins, Records and Character!
Yet, Penn State never discuss how Joe Paterno's Recruits and Players cost millions in wasted Dollars among NFL Football Clubs with more First Round Draft Busts than any other College Football Program!
Additionally, Paterno and Penn state were breaking NCAA rules, Intentionally Refused Educational Compliance and Broke Laws that cost Penn State University even more money approaching a Billion as well over the Penn State Football Scandal!
As far as Character, Success With Honor, both examples above prove that Joseph Vincent Paterno Recruits and Players was more Myth and the Reality was it may be the worst in College Football History and not just the last 15, 30, and 50 years?
The Pennsylvania State Legislature needs to be reminded of that fact if they want to keep naming bridge on Paterno or allocate Funds to build a new Stadium? Pitt and Temple should be given Funds too to build New Stadiums on Campus, after all neither brought such shame to the Commonwealth like Penn State did under the Paterno Era!
LINK:
Here were the five former Penn State players who for injuries or otherwise made the list that nobody wants to be on:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2014/04/five_former_penn_state_standou.html
Yet, Penn State never discuss how Joe Paterno's Recruits and Players cost millions in wasted Dollars among NFL Football Clubs with more First Round Draft Busts than any other College Football Program!
Additionally, Paterno and Penn state were breaking NCAA rules, Intentionally Refused Educational Compliance and Broke Laws that cost Penn State University even more money approaching a Billion as well over the Penn State Football Scandal!
As far as Character, Success With Honor, both examples above prove that Joseph Vincent Paterno Recruits and Players was more Myth and the Reality was it may be the worst in College Football History and not just the last 15, 30, and 50 years?
The Pennsylvania State Legislature needs to be reminded of that fact if they want to keep naming bridge on Paterno or allocate Funds to build a new Stadium? Pitt and Temple should be given Funds too to build New Stadiums on Campus, after all neither brought such shame to the Commonwealth like Penn State did under the Paterno Era!
LINK:
Here were the five former Penn State players who for injuries or otherwise made the list that nobody wants to be on:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2014/04/five_former_penn_state_standou.html
Most NFL Players lasts 2 Years, Pensions are given out after 3.5 Years? Sure, other schools and that includes Penn State and WVU have more produced more NFL Draft Picks and Players, but not at the Higher Caliber that wins awards, set records, and you are missing that point.
It is not being debated here that other Programs produce many nobodies for 1 to 2 years. Pitt does too and only has 13-16 Players on current Rosters, but still leads in producing Elite NFL Talent with Top Elite Programs, get on the subject!
Pitt is ranked 9th in producing Consensus All-Americans, 19th NFL Draft Picks and 23rd in First Round Draft Picks! Yet, unlike your lack of reading the Post Title and Link, Pitt is right up there in ESPN Analysis as producing 3rd Most Elite Players, 2014 NFL.Com 4th Place, and recent Link 7th Place. All analysis over 3 Years bu 3 separate sources and far better than your ANALysis!
Right now Pitt out of those 13-16 Current Players in the NFL has more Pro Bowls, Player of the Year Awards than WVU or Penn State and some Programs you mentioned all that more Players in the NFL right now?
Now go and read and sin no more!
This is a continuation on Pitt players passed on by the Steelers. Now keep in mind, the Steelers drafted for needs so they may have had no use for these players and again I have the advantage of hindsight where they did not.
Here is a continuation of 2000 to this past draft:
2000 Steelers drafted Hank Poteat, DB, Pitt
2002 Antonio Bryant was on the board at the time of their pick. They chose Randle El as a slash type so AB was not the type of receiver they wanted at that time.
2003 Gerald Hayes, Pitt LB was on the board when they chose Alonso Jackson, LB. Hayes was picked the very next round.
2004 the Steelers picked Ricardo Coclough (DB) in the second round. Shawntee Spencer was drafted later in that same round. The same thing happened in the fifth round when they chose Nathanial Adibi (DE) over Claude Harriot (DE) who was selected later that round. I know they run a 3-4 defense so the DE's they need for that scheme are different from the DE's in a 4-4, so I really don't know the difference between Adibi and Harriot. They drafted Matt Kranchick (TE) out of Penn State in the sixth round (project).
2005 They left Rob Petitti on the board for a tackle who did not make their roster.
2006 They had Charles Spencer (G) on the board in the third round when they picked Willie Reed (WR). The very next round they picked Willie Colon (G).
2007 Darelle Revis was picked by the Jets right before the Steelers picked. I don't know if they would have picked him if he was there? Linebackers Clint Sessions in the 4th round and HB Blades,6th round were there when the Steelers picked. The Steelers had already picked Lawrence Timmons in the first round so had no need for them. But here were their picks from the 3rd to 7th rounds, Picks from 3-7 Rd, Matt Speath (TE), Dan Sepulveda (P), Ryan McBean (DT), Cameron Stephenson (G), William Gay (DB), Dallas Baker (WR). Only one, William Gay, is still on the roster.
2008 Kennard Cox (CB) was there in the 6th round when they picked Ryan Mundy out of WVU. Cox was drafted by Buffalo in the next round.
2009 LeSean McCoy was there in the first round, the Steelers took Evander Hood, DE. Scott McKillop (LB), LS Howling (RB), and Derek Kinder (WR) were on the board when the Steelers drafts from 5th to last rounds included Joe Burnette (DB), Frank Summers (RB), RaShon Harris (DT), AQ Shipley (C) from PSU, and David Johnson (TE).
2010 Nate Byham and Dorin Dickerson were on the board. The Steelers DID happen to get a great value in the 6th round when they selected Antonio Bryant. How often does that happen?
2011 The chose Marcus Gilbert (T) in the 2nd round. So they had no need for Jason Pinkston who was drafted in the 5th round.
2014 Aaron Donald was taken two picks before the Steelers were due. Would they have taken him??? Devon Street was drafted in the 5th round by Dallas. The Steelers picked two wide receivers prior to Street being selected as they chose Dri Archer in the 3rd round and Martavis Bryant in the 4th.
2015 TJ Clemmings was on the board through 4 rounds. Here are the Steelers drafts from that round on this year, 4th rd on, Doran Grant (CB), Jesse James (TE) out of psu, Leterrius Walton (DT), Anthony Chickillo (DE), and Gerond Holliman (S). We will see how they pan out.
Here is a continuation of 2000 to this past draft:
2000 Steelers drafted Hank Poteat, DB, Pitt
2002 Antonio Bryant was on the board at the time of their pick. They chose Randle El as a slash type so AB was not the type of receiver they wanted at that time.
2003 Gerald Hayes, Pitt LB was on the board when they chose Alonso Jackson, LB. Hayes was picked the very next round.
2004 the Steelers picked Ricardo Coclough (DB) in the second round. Shawntee Spencer was drafted later in that same round. The same thing happened in the fifth round when they chose Nathanial Adibi (DE) over Claude Harriot (DE) who was selected later that round. I know they run a 3-4 defense so the DE's they need for that scheme are different from the DE's in a 4-4, so I really don't know the difference between Adibi and Harriot. They drafted Matt Kranchick (TE) out of Penn State in the sixth round (project).
2005 They left Rob Petitti on the board for a tackle who did not make their roster.
2006 They had Charles Spencer (G) on the board in the third round when they picked Willie Reed (WR). The very next round they picked Willie Colon (G).
2007 Darelle Revis was picked by the Jets right before the Steelers picked. I don't know if they would have picked him if he was there? Linebackers Clint Sessions in the 4th round and HB Blades,6th round were there when the Steelers picked. The Steelers had already picked Lawrence Timmons in the first round so had no need for them. But here were their picks from the 3rd to 7th rounds, Picks from 3-7 Rd, Matt Speath (TE), Dan Sepulveda (P), Ryan McBean (DT), Cameron Stephenson (G), William Gay (DB), Dallas Baker (WR). Only one, William Gay, is still on the roster.
2008 Kennard Cox (CB) was there in the 6th round when they picked Ryan Mundy out of WVU. Cox was drafted by Buffalo in the next round.
2009 LeSean McCoy was there in the first round, the Steelers took Evander Hood, DE. Scott McKillop (LB), LS Howling (RB), and Derek Kinder (WR) were on the board when the Steelers drafts from 5th to last rounds included Joe Burnette (DB), Frank Summers (RB), RaShon Harris (DT), AQ Shipley (C) from PSU, and David Johnson (TE).
2010 Nate Byham and Dorin Dickerson were on the board. The Steelers DID happen to get a great value in the 6th round when they selected Antonio Bryant. How often does that happen?
2011 The chose Marcus Gilbert (T) in the 2nd round. So they had no need for Jason Pinkston who was drafted in the 5th round.
2014 Aaron Donald was taken two picks before the Steelers were due. Would they have taken him??? Devon Street was drafted in the 5th round by Dallas. The Steelers picked two wide receivers prior to Street being selected as they chose Dri Archer in the 3rd round and Martavis Bryant in the 4th.
2015 TJ Clemmings was on the board through 4 rounds. Here are the Steelers drafts from that round on this year, 4th rd on, Doran Grant (CB), Jesse James (TE) out of psu, Leterrius Walton (DT), Anthony Chickillo (DE), and Gerond Holliman (S). We will see how they pan out.
It is now my opinion, that Coach Pat at Pitt will impact on the Steelers taking more Pitt players in the future, Just a Hunch!
One possible reason for the Steelers/Pitt scenario that has to do with Pitt producing elite talent. Art Rooney himself said he liked to take a Pitt, PSU, WVU, Notre Dame, or Duquesne player in the later rounds to please the hometown fans. As mentioned, Pitt has produced guys that have been drafted early and had great NFL careers. Also mentioned, the Steelers draft for needs, not really looking at making fans happy in the early rounds.
So basically, with Pitt having so much elite talent, when it came to the later rounds there were usually not Pitt players left. There have been obvious passes in early rounds though such as Marino and others. I've been the biggest complainer of the Steelers not taking Pitt guys, but I really don't think it is done on purpose by any means.
Like I mentioned earlier, in the days before the draft it seemed the Steelers were pretty set on Darrelle Revis. Unfortunately the Jets got in the way of that. In general though, what's more upsetting present day, in the Tomlin regime mostly is not that they pass on Pitt guys, but they pass on them and take guys who are busts. Post above mentioned Shady being available in '09. The Steelers were not going to take a RB as they were very high on Mendenhall still then. But my god was Ziggy Hood one of the worst draft picks I've ever witnessed.
I will say this for about the 20th time on multiple posts here though, PLEASE DRAFT J.P. HOLTZ!!
So basically, with Pitt having so much elite talent, when it came to the later rounds there were usually not Pitt players left. There have been obvious passes in early rounds though such as Marino and others. I've been the biggest complainer of the Steelers not taking Pitt guys, but I really don't think it is done on purpose by any means.
Like I mentioned earlier, in the days before the draft it seemed the Steelers were pretty set on Darrelle Revis. Unfortunately the Jets got in the way of that. In general though, what's more upsetting present day, in the Tomlin regime mostly is not that they pass on Pitt guys, but they pass on them and take guys who are busts. Post above mentioned Shady being available in '09. The Steelers were not going to take a RB as they were very high on Mendenhall still then. But my god was Ziggy Hood one of the worst draft picks I've ever witnessed.
I will say this for about the 20th time on multiple posts here though, PLEASE DRAFT J.P. HOLTZ!!
No they really don't, you're right. I remember going to training camp one year after we signed Kevan Barlow. I couldn't be happier. Of course, he had several years on him and was near the end of his career. I think it might have been actually as he was cut during the preseason. But i believe Todd Thomas was signed by Jacksonville AFTER the draft? Why not take a shot on a kid like that?
Needless to say, with them being so close and watching Pitt every day they see how good (or not good) they are. It was mentioned somewhere above about Narduzzi helping that. I agree, winning will make the players look better and more appealing to the Steelers!
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