3 Draft Picks the Steelers Gave up on Too Early

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an outstanding resume in terms of success in the NFL Draft. However, like any organization, there are some decisions that it undoubtedly wishes it could have back. Letting players walk that eventually go on to enjoy successful pro careers is a tale as old as time in sports, and it absolutely identifies with Pittsburgh.

Here are three former draft picks that the Steelers gave up on too early.

3. Chad Brown

Former Pittsburgh Steelers LB Chad Brown / George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Drafted at No. 44 overall back in 1993, Brown enjoyed a breakout season in his first year as a stater for Pittsburgh in 1996, producing 81 tackles, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles. He even recorded three sacks in the Steelers win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Wild Card Round. Somehow, Brown's production wasn't enough to convince the franchise to retain him as he went on to sign with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent that offseason. The Colorado product was named to two Pro Bowls with the Seahawks and played 11 more seasons in the NFL following his shocking departure from Pittsburgh. From 1997-2002, Brown compiled 569 tackles and 34 sacks for the Seahawks.

2. Hardy Nickerson

Former Pittsburgh Steelers LB Hardy Nickerson / George Gojkovich/Getty Images

It's hard to say that a team gave up on a player that spent six seasons with it, but the success that Nickerson enjoyed in his post-Pittsburgh career is staggering. After leaving the Steelers in 1993, the former fifth-round pick went on to earn four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1996-1999 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During that span, he posted a mind-boggling 926 tackles. You can't help but feel that Pittsburgh miscalculated by letting him walk after a 114-tackle 1992 campaign.

1. Mike Vrabel

Former Pittsburgh Steelers LB Mike Vrabel / Michael J. Minardi/Getty Images

Vrabel, a former third-round draft pick of the Steelers in 1997, was hardly productive for the organization. He lasted four years in Pittsburgh and didn't start a single game. The current Tennessee Titans head coach eventually singed with New England in 2001, where he made an instant impact and name for himself. Vrabel was a key cog on the Patriots' defense for over six seasons and helped them capture three Super Bowl titles in a four-year span. He was named an All-Pro in 2007 after logging 77 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 17 QB hits and four forced fumbles.