With five out of their eight first-round selections exceeding expectations, it is safe to say the Steelers know what they’re doing in Round 1. On top of that, it is pretty early to eliminate LB Lawrence Timmons as a potential impact player. While the later rounds have not treated the Steelers as kindly, this first-round track record clearly goes a long way toward keeping them in the hunt year after year.
| Pittsburgh Steelers | ||||
| Year | Player | Pick | Verdict | Bottom Line |
| 2007 | Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State | 15 |  |
Even though he had only 13 defensive tackles in spot duty, it was nice to see a player who did not play much special teams in college step up and grasp the role that was given to him. |
| 2006 | Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State | 25 |  |
The only first-round wide receiver in 2006 is a big-play artist whom we expect to take it to another level in 2008. |
| 2005 | Heath Miller, TE, Virginia | 30 |  |
Miller has a good combination of size, blocking ability and receiving skills. He is a versatile tight end who could upgrade a lot of teams in the NFL at this position. |
| 2004 | Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Miami (Ohio) | 11 | |
Roethlisberger has been a starter for all four years in Pittsburgh and has taken the team to the playoffs in three of those four years, while winning the Super Bowl in 2005. |
| 2003 | Troy Polamalu, S, USC | 16 | |
Polamalu is one of the most productive impact defenders in the league. His ability to drop down in the box as a run defender or to play in zone coverage sets the tone. |
| 2002 | Kendall Simmons, G, Auburn | 30 | |
Simmons has been somewhat inconsistent at times, but has done enough to meet expectations. He is an above-average starting guard when compared to other players at this position. |
| 2001 | Casey Hampton, DT, Texas | 19 | |
There were not as many teams running a 3-4 defense in 2001, which is why Hampton lasted until the 19th overall selection. He has been the anchor of Pittsburgh’s defense. |
| 2000 | Plaxico Burress, WR, Michigan State | 8 | |
He has matured with the Giants and his game has become much more consistent. Burress can go up and take it away from the defender as well as any receiver in the NFL. |
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