Steelers' NFL Draft History Showcases Decades of Talent

From first-overall picks to late-round gems, the Steelers have built a legacy through the draft

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:30pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in black, gold, and grey, representing the strategic and multifaceted nature of the Steelers' NFL Draft process.The Steelers' strategic approach to the NFL Draft has yielded decades of success, with the team's ability to identify and develop top talent reflected in their multiple championships.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a storied history in the NFL Draft, dating back to their first selection in 1936. Over the decades, the team has drafted Hall of Famers, found late-round gems, and made strategic trades to build a perennial contender. This article examines the Steelers' draft facts and figures, highlighting their top picks, draft streaks, and the players who have made an indelible mark on the franchise.

Why it matters

The Steelers' success in the draft is a key reason the team has been one of the NFL's most consistent winners over the past half-century. Understanding their draft history provides insight into how the organization has built championship-caliber rosters through strategic player selection and development.

The details

The Steelers have had several first-overall picks, including Hall of Famers Bill Dudley and Terry Bradshaw. They've also found late-round gems like Andy Russell and Rocky Bleier, who became integral parts of their Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1970s. The team has had stretches where they made 30 picks in a single draft, as well as years where they had as few as five selections. Over the years, the Steelers have drafted 16 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, showcasing their ability to identify elite talent.

  • The Steelers made their first-ever NFL Draft selection in 1936, picking William Shakespeare, a halfback from Notre Dame.
  • In 1943, 1944, 1946, 1947, 1948, and 1951, the Steelers used all 30 of their picks in the 30-round NFL Draft.
  • The Steelers had just five picks in the 2003 NFL Draft, trading away several selections to move up and select future Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu.
  • Since 1994, the Steelers have received 39 compensatory picks, using some to select key contributors like Hines Ward and Alex Highsmith.

The players

Bill Dudley

A running back selected 1st overall by the Steelers in the 1942 NFL Draft, Dudley is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Terry Bradshaw

The Steelers' 1st overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft, Bradshaw is a Hall of Fame quarterback who led the team to four Super Bowl championships.

Andy Russell

A linebacker selected in the 16th round of the 1963 NFL Draft, Russell was a 7-time Pro Bowler and member of the Steelers' inaugural Hall of Honor class.

Rocky Bleier

A running back selected in the 16th round of the 1968 NFL Draft, Bleier overcame injuries sustained in the Vietnam War to become a key contributor to the Steelers' Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1970s.

Gary Glick

A defensive back selected 1st overall by the Steelers in the 1956 NFL Draft as a lottery bonus pick, Glick is the only defensive back to ever be chosen 1st overall in the draft.

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What they’re saying

“The Steelers are a team that traditionally has built through the draft, and that is represented by the number of their Hall of Famers who were acquired through the NFL Draft.”

— Teresa Varley

“It's not always draft picks who find success with the Steelers. The team has found some gems as undrafted rookie free agents, including two who earned Hall of Fame honors.”

— Teresa Varley

What’s next

As the Steelers prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft in their home city of Pittsburgh, fans will be eager to see if the team can continue its legacy of finding impactful players, whether through high draft picks or late-round selections.

The takeaway

The Steelers' success in the NFL Draft has been a key driver of their sustained excellence over the decades. From first-overall picks to undrafted free agent gems, the team has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to identify and develop top talent, cementing their status as one of the league's premier franchises.