Following the spirit of ESPN’s latest submit unveiling the NFL’s All-Quarter Century Crew, the most effective gamers from 2000-2024, I’m doing the identical with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster. A 53-man and 10-man observe squad that includes the workforce’s finest gamers of the twenty first century.
This record will solely deal with what every participant did in Pittsburgh and solely from the flip of the century onward. Let me know who you suppose ought to’ve made the lower under.
OFFENSE – 25
Quarterbacks (2): Ben Roethlisberger, Kordell Stewart
Evaluation: Solely preserving two quarterbacks, one thing the Steelers don’t do however a development a lot of the NFL follows. Roethlisberger is a no brainer and his subsequent soccer cease shall be a Corridor of Fame bust in Canton. The second quarterback is a bit of fascinating and nobody comes near Roethlisberger’s legacy. Stewart solely began two full seasons within the 2000s however led the Steelers to the ’01 Championship Recreation. His athletic skillset simply wins out and he could possibly be utilized in wrinkle packages, although good luck telling Roethlisberger he wants to depart the sphere.
Working Backs (4): Le’Veon Bell, Willie Parker, Jerome Bettis, James Conner
Evaluation: Stocking up on operating backs right here, a energy of a Steelers’ workforce with rugged historical past even within the twenty first century. Bettis performed the again 9 of his profession over this span however nonetheless put in a 1,000-yard marketing campaign in 2000 and rushed for 13 touchdowns in 2004, a determine nonetheless tied for the team-most during the last 25 years. Parker emerged from unknown undrafted rookie to the longest speeding landing in Tremendous Bowl historical past, his wheels incomes him the “Quick Willie” moniker.
Bell was one of many NFL’s finest backs in his prime. He did all of it: rush, catch and block. He additionally stays one of many greatest “what ifs” had his profession completed out in Pittsburgh. Conner could be a curveball and accidents held him again, however he was gifted with dimension and burst. With three different succesful backs, the Steelers gained’t be misplaced if he missed a pair video games.
Fullback (1): Dan Kreider
Evaluation: Gotta have a fullback to assist an influence operating recreation. Kreider led the best way for Bettis within the 2000s, missed for the important thing block he made on Bettis’ well-known purpose line truck of Brian Urlacher. Kreider was a blocker first and second however dealt with that position nicely, incomes a hoop as a part of the workforce’s 2005 Tremendous Bowl run. He spent eight seasons in Pittsburgh.
Tight Finish (3): Heath Miller, Pat Freiermuth, Vance McDonald
Evaluation: Three high quality tight ends led by Miller, as well-rounded because the NFL has season this century. Freiermuth and McDonald are clear rungs under however each have been aggressive post-catch. Matt Spaeth could possibly be argued right here as a fourth tight finish/blocker. Heck, Darnell Washington may even make that case however in the end, solely three are rostered.
Extensive Receiver (6): Hines Ward, Antonio Brown, Plaxico Burress, Mike Wallace, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Santonio Holmes
Evaluation: A wonderful group right here. Ward is a borderline Corridor of Famer whereas Brown had first-ballot expertise, solely accomplished in by his off-field storylines (the newest being tried homicide allegations). Burress solely spent a handful of years in Pittsburgh however made up an awesome duo reverse Ward. As did Smith-Schuster, who may play within the slot or on the skin, with Brown. Holmes was a dynamic receiver and returner whereas none have been sooner than Mike Wallace, who led the league in yards-per-catch as a rookie and topped that figures in 2010, averaging a whopping 21-yards per seize.
Martavis Bryant has a case to be added to the record. Expertise-wise, he’s one of many workforce’s actual gems. However a scarcity of productiveness on account of his repeated suspensions narrowly leaves him off. George Pickens additionally falls simply shy. Pittsburgh has quite a lot of expertise right here that led to troublesome selections.
Offensive Deal with (3): Marvel Smith, Marcus Gilbert, Alejandro Villanueva
Evaluation: Earlier than again accidents ended his profession, Smith was a franchise left sort out and arguably essentially the most underrated participant on this record. Gilbert was a gentle although not spectacular proper sort out whereas Villanueva went from Military Ranger and defensive lineman to beginning 90 video games for Pittsburgh. Kelvin Beachum comes shut making the lower however didn’t play lengthy sufficient in Pittsburgh.
Offensive Guard (4): Alan Faneca, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Kendall Simmons
Evaluation: To be two-deep with this group of 4 is absolutely good. Faneca is certainly one of soccer’s all-time nice linemen. DeCastro missed these heights however is a no brainer future Corridor of Honor candidate. Simmons, like Smith, is underrated, whereas Foster went from UDFA to 145 begins. In Steelers’ historical past, Donnie Shell is the one undrafted participant to start out extra video games. Throughout the complete NFL since 2000, Foster is tied for Fifteenth-most.
Middle (2): Maurkice Pouncey, Jeff Hartings
Evaluation: No Kendrick Inexperienced on this record. I do know you’re shocked. Pouncey is a borderline Corridor of Famer whereas Hartings was an excellent middle within the 2000s, nonetheless serving as one of many workforce’s finest free agent pickups this century.
DEFENSE – 24
Defensive Finish (5): Cam Heyward, Aaron Smith, Stephon Tuitt, Brett Keisel, Kimo von Oelhoffen
Evaluation: Smith and Keisel, Heyward and Tuitt. Nice Steelers’ defensive finish tandems. Heyward and Tuitt are the extra gifted duo however didn’t play collectively as lengthy. Nonetheless, they’re all apparent selections. Selecting von Oelhoffen is a wild card, however he began 94 video games after signing with Pittsburgh for the 2000 season, recording 34 tackles for a loss and 20.5 sacks. Having robust defensive position depth is essential, and he’s one of many remaining names to make this roster.
Nostril Deal with (2): Casey Hampton, Javon Hargrave
Evaluation: Hampton is without doubt one of the NFL’s finest run stuffers who didn’t rack up the stats however made everybody else round him higher. The true mark of a nostril sort out. Hargrave was lower from a unique material and located his finest seasons elsewhere however he’s a robust backup who can work into sub-packages to offer cross rush juice Hampton didn’t.
Exterior Linebacker (4): T.J. Watt, James Harrison, Joey Porter, LaMarr Woodley
Evaluation: Embarrassment of riches to select from right here. This record could possibly be 10-deep with some nonetheless feeling unnoticed. The true engine of the Steelers’ protection, Porter was a face of the protection and its vocal chief. At his finest, Woodley was dominant and can go down for forcing the ultimate fumble on QB Kurt Warner to beat the Arizona Cardinals for the Steelers’ sixth championship.
Harrison was actually elite and one of many NFL’s most unbelievable tales. Not beginning till he was mainly 30, he turned feared and actually modified the principles of the sport. Watt is already a Corridor of Famer. It’s solely a query of if he’ll rival Joe Greene as the best Steelers’ defender in workforce historical past. A excessive bar however what if Watt finishes prime 5 in NFL historical past in sacks? It’s a believable situation if he performs into his late 30s.
Inside Linebacker (4): James Farrior, Ryan Shazier, Lawrence Timmons, Vince Williams
Evaluation: Farrior set the gold normal for Steelers’ free agent signings, going from disappointment in New York to foundational member of Pittsburgh’s 2005 and 2008 Tremendous Bowl squads. Timmons was a wonderful participant, athletic with a balanced skillset. Shazier was changing into one of many NFL’s finest inside linebackers earlier than his career-ending spinal damage. Williams isn’t the identical caliber of participant however is a tone setter who performed the run as arduous as anybody. He’ll additionally assistance on particular groups.
Cornerback (5): Ike Taylor, Joe Haden, Mike Hilton, Deshea Townsend, William Homosexual
Evaluation: Cornerback hasn’t been Pittsburgh’s strongest place since 2000 and is well the weakest defensively. Nonetheless, Taylor is a clear-cut No. 1 nook, as long as you don’t count on him to intercept many passes. The Steelers snagged Haden late in his profession however he nonetheless offered strong play and shall be an excellent No. 2. Hilton is a perfect slot, a menace towards the run and as a blitzer the franchise nonetheless has confirmed unable to exchange.
Townsend is underrated and had a gentle and strong profession. Homosexual bounced again from robust early seasons to develop into one thing of a fan-favorite who had a nostril for the top zone after his picks. He had five-pick sixes, nonetheless tied with Rod Woodson for many in franchise historical past (Woodson, nonetheless, holds the NFL file with 12).
Security (4): Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Chris Hope
Evaluation: Little debate right here. Polamalu shall be remembered as a Steelers’ legend till the top of time. Clark was his excellent complement. Fitzpatrick’s ball-hawking potential made him feared by each quarterback. Hope sneaks on as a fourth security. He solely began two years for Pittsburgh however was a strong security and I can’t discover anybody else to put above him proper now. Not Mike Mitchell, not Terrell Edmunds, and never (for now), DeShon Elliott. Possibly in a few years.
Particular Groups – 4
Kicker (1): Chris Boswell
Evaluation: No-brainer right here. Boswell is nicely on his means as being thought to be the best Steelers’ kicker in historical past. If he isn’t there already.
Punter (1): Daniel Sepulevda
Evaluation: Punter is extra sophisticated. There isn’t a real standout identify. I’ll lean Sepulevda who didn’t have the most effective pure numbers however was a big-legged participant who was bettering earlier than a knee damage did him in. Plus, the dude can hit and canopy.
Lengthy Snapper (1): Greg Warren
Evaluation: Warren snapped from 2005-2016, spending his complete profession with Pittsburgh. A pair knee accidents value him however he’s nonetheless the apparent alternative on this record.
Returner (1): Antwaan Randle El
Evaluation: Including a returner slot to this record. Antonio Brown and Santonio Holmes may deal with these duties, however Randle El wins out. In Pittsburgh, he recorded 4 punt return touchdowns and one kick return rating. Plus, Randle El can be utilized in gadget performs. Randel El and Kordell Stewart pairings could possibly be quite a lot of enjoyable.
Follow Squad (10)
A ten-man record that’s mainly the best-of-the-rest.
RB: Najee Harris
WR: Martavis Bryant, George Pickens
OT: Kelvin Beachum
EDGE: Alex Highsmith, Jason Gildon
ILB: Larry Foote
CB: Chad Scott
S: Brent Alexander
Ok: Jeff Reed
Teaching Employees (12)
Going one other stage deeper to place collectively the Steelers’ finest teaching workers since 2000.
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
Offensive Coordinator: Ken Whisenhunt
Defensive Coordinator: Dick LeBeau
Particular Groups Coordinator: Danny Smith
Quarterbacks Coach: Randy Fichtner
Working Backs Coach: Dick Hoak
Extensive Receivers Coach: Richard Mann
Tight Ends Coach: James Daniel
Offensive Line Coach: Mike Munchak
Defensive Line Coach: John Mitchell
Linebackers Coach: Keith Butler
Defensive Backs Coach: Ray Horton
There’s some debate about Tomlin versus Invoice Cowher for the top coach spot, a dialog I’m certain shall be dominated within the feedback part under. However Tomlin has coached for much longer and Cowher’s 2000s tenure included a few robust seasons: 6-10 in 2003, 8-8 in 2006. Whisenhunt stored Pittsburgh’s offense regular and was extra ingenious than some credit score him for. LeBeau is a no-duh alternative defensively and Smith has coached for about half the century.
Fichtner narrowly beats out Ken Anderson whereas Hoak will get the sting over Kirby Wilson and Eddie Faulkner. Mann is a positional coach legend and beats out the late Darryl Drake. Daniel must be given his due for a protracted profession with the workforce. Munchak on the o-line is apparent, although Russ Grimm did nicely, too. Mitchell is an all-timer whereas Butler was an awesome positional coach. I used to be tempted to go along with Teryl Austin. I like him as a coach greater than most however settled on Horton as an alternative. Pairing him with LeBeau additionally works higher.
