2014 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers And The History Of The No. 15 Pick
By Matt Shetler
Even though free agency is still going strong and the Pittsburgh Steelers will make some likely minor upgrades over the course of the next few weeks, all eyes are focused on the 2014 NFL Draft.
Dec 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) takes the field against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Whether you feel the Steelers should look at a cornerback, wide receiver, safety or defensive lineman with their first round selection, one thing is for certain: they cannot miss when they select 15th overall.
The good news is that some quality players have been taken with the No. 15 overall pick throughout this decade, including when the Steelers struck gold by selecting linebacker Lawrence Timmons at 15th overall in 2007.
With that in mind I thought I would take a look at the history of the No. 15 pick since the year 2000:
2013: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Saints
2012: Bruce Irvin, DE, Seahawks
2011: Mike Pouncey, C, Dolphins
2010: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Giants
2009: Brian Cushing, LB, Texans
2008: Branden Albert, OT, Chiefs
2007: Timmons
2006: Tye Hill, CB, Rams
2005: Derrick Johnson, LB, Chiefs
2004: Michael Clayton, WR, Buccaneers
2003: Jerome McDougle, DE, Eagles
2002: Albert Haynesworth, DT, Titans
2001: Rod Gardner, WR, Redskins
2000: Deltha O’Neal, CB, Broncos
While there have been some misses from teams in that span, the No. 15 overall pick has produced some quality players ever since the Steelers selected Timmons.
The draft is still a couple of months away and no matter which direction Kevin Colbert and his staff elect to go, judging by past history they are going to have a chance to get a quality player when May rolls around.
Hopefully they keep the productive streak at pick No. 15 going.