The NFL definitely needs to advance the draft schedule. Although I’ve mentioned this several times, it’s frustrating to be discussing the same topics for an extended month.
To change things up, let’s reflect on the past. The Steelers have had a remarkable track record in the first round of the draft over the past 25 years, but they’ve also seen some significant flops. In today’s piece, we’ll rank all 24 of their first-round picks since 2000 from least effective to most effective.
24. QB Kenny Pickett (2022)
Without trying to boast only a year later, I had pointed out for two seasons that he was disappointing, and many contested this, mainly due to his college background. By the end of the 2023 season, Pickett recorded the lowest touchdown percentage in NFL history for quarterbacks with a minimum of 500 pass attempts. Fortunately, the Steelers traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.
23. LB Jarvis Jones (2013)
The expectations for Jarvis Jones were high, but he ultimately failed to meet them. He recorded just six sacks over four seasons with the Steelers and did not appear in another regular-season game after 2016.
22. OT Broderick Jones (2023)
It’s still too soon to make a judgment on Jones, but his inconsistent performance last season has raised concerns that he may not succeed.
21. OT Troy Fautanu (2024)
Fautanu spent nearly all of 2024 sidelined due to a knee injury. If he stays healthy, he may show improvement in the coming years.
20. CB Artie Burns (2016)
Kudos to Burns for signing a new contract and securing a decade-long career in the NFL. However, his tenure with the Steelers was underwhelming. As the leading cornerback on a struggling defense, he has since found a niche as a dependable rotational player in the league.
19. LB Devin Bush (2019)
Bush started off strong, with four fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and a touchdown in his rookie year, showcasing why the Steelers traded up for him. Unfortunately, an ACL tear hindered his career trajectory thereafter.
18. DT Ziggy Hood (2009)
Hood delivered solid performances as a defensive tackle for five years in Pittsburgh and contributed to the formidable 2010 defense that led the Steelers to the Super Bowl.
This paraphrase maintains the core information and structure while reframing the text for clarity and coherence. If you need additional sections, just let me know!
