Backdraft: Pittsburgh Steelers

BACKDRAFT SERIES: For 16 days leading up to the 2011 NFL Draft, we're rolling out capsule draft histories of each of the 32 NFL Teams.

Backdraft Series

Apr. 12 - Packers | Steelers

Apr. 13 - Bears | Jets

Apr. 14- Patriots | Falcons

Apr. 15- Ravens | Seahawks

Apr. 16- Saints | Eagles

Apr. 17- Colts | Chiefs

Apr. 18- Buccaneers | Giants

Apr. 19- Chargers | Raiders

Apr. 20- Jaguars | Dolphins

Apr. 21- Rams | Lions

Apr. 22- Vikings | Texans

Apr. 23- Redskins | Cowboys

Apr. 24- Titans | 49ers

Apr. 25- Browns | Cardinals

Apr. 26- Bengals | Bills

Apr. 27- Broncos | Panthers

2011 Draft Position:

• 31
 

First-Ever Draft Pick:

• Bill Shakespeare, B, Notre Dame (1st Round, 3rd overall, in 1936)

 

Most Recent Draft Pick:

• Doug Worthington, DE, Ohio State (7th round, 242nd overall, in 2010)

 

Hall of Famers Drafted:

• Bill Dudley - 1st Round (1st overall), 1942
• George Connor - 1st Round (5th overall), 1946 (Also selected in 15th round, 145th overall, of 1945 draft by Pittsburgh Steelers. The NFL ruled the pick to be ineligible and thus voided the selection.)
• Ernie Stautner - 2nd Round (22nd overall), 1950 (Also selected in 1st round of 1949 secret two-round AAFC draft by the San Francisco 49ers.)
• John Henry Johnson - 2nd Round (18th overall), 1953
• Johnny Unitas - 9th Round (102nd overall), 1955
• Len Dawson - 1st Round (5th overall), 1957
• Joe Greene - 1st Round (4th overall), 1969
• Terry Bradshaw - 1st Round (1st overall), 1970
• Mel Blount - 3rd Round (53rd overall), 1970
• Jack Ham - 2nd Round (34th overall), 1971
• Franco Harris - 1st Round (13th overall), 1972
• Lynn Swann - 1st Round (21st overall), 1974
• Jack Lambert - 2nd Round (46th overall), 1974
• John Stallworth - 4th Round (82nd overall), 1974
• Mike Webster - 5th Round (125th overall) , 1974
• Rod Woodson - 1st Round (10th overall), 1987
 

Bill Dudley	Joe Greene	Maurkice Pouncey

First Overall Pick in the NFL Draft:

1970 – Terry Bradshaw, QB, Louisiana Tech
1956 – Gary Glick, DB, Colorado A&M
1942 – Bill Dudley, HB, Virginia

 

Did you know?

The Steelers selected four future Hall of Famers in the same draft. In 1974, Pittsburgh took Southern Cal receiver Lynn Swann as the 21st pick of the first round; Jack Lambert was taken out of Kent State in the second round; John Stallworth in the fourth round and center Mike Webster in the fifth round.

In case you missed our recent entry in the "Under the Dome" blog, here's a look at how the Steelers dynasty was built through the draft>>>

 

Quotable:

"What did I just write?"

That was the question posed by Steelers' o-line coach Sean Kugler to Maurkice Pouncey a couple of months before the team selected the Florida center in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Kugler had drawn up a several complex plays on a dry-erase board during the scouting combine. He then quickly wiped the board clean and asked that question.

Pouncey, without hesitation, duplicated exactly what has been shown just moments earlier.

The Rimmington Trophy winner as the best center in college, continued to impress his coaches. Pouncey earned a starting role and performed like a veteran. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin shared this sentiment about Pouncey.

"He's been consistently better than any rookie I've ever been around. Ever!"

 

Shop

Check out Green Bay Packers merchandise available in our store! Shop Now>>> Enter the code “BACKDRAFT” at checkout and you’ll enjoy 15% off your order.

 

Who in '11?

Post your comment with who the Steelers should select in the first round on April 28. Why?