The Best 7th-Round Draft Pick in Steelers History
By Scott Rogust
The NFL Draft is just three days away, but the Pittsburgh Steelers won't be very busy on Thursday night due to their lack of a first-round draft pick. That's no big deal for them considering they've created a bit of a reputation for securing some quality players in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.
So they undoubtedly have to have a historic franchise player they've drafted in the seventh round, right?
Yup! Back in 2002, the Steelers used one of their final picks on BYU defensive end Brett Keisel. As it turns out, he was a damn good football player.
15 years ago (9/1/02): #Steelers' cuts include Tee Martin, James Harrison; seventh-round pick Brett Keisel makes team. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/BaMTK3IAny
— PGH Sports History (@PGH_Sports_Date) September 1, 2017
Keisel was the 21st defensive end taken in that year's draft, behind the likes of Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney. The Steelers believed in his abilities, and that was further evidence once he cracked the regular season roster following training camp.
The rest was history. Keisel instantly became a fan favorite in the Steel City for his play, personality, and trademark beard. He lasted 13 seasons with the Steelers, during which he recorded 408 total tackles, 30 sacks, nine fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. The rugged edge rusher won two Super Bowls (XL, XLIII) during his time with the Steelers and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2010.
Brett Keisel bringing #daBeard to Nashville to announce our third-round pick, DB Justin Layne.#SteelersDraft | @_jlayne pic.twitter.com/VJ77bK3bP8
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 27, 2019
Who will be the diamond in the rough for the Steelers in the 2020 draft?