Pittsburgh Steelers all-time NFL Draft classes: No. 4, 1969

[polamalubeast]

http://www.pennlive.com/steelers/ind...raft_1969.html

[ALLD]

I remember what Noll said about the players on the team that were already in place by 1969. He told them for the most part they just weren't very good and most would not be on the team in the near future.

The team reached its pinnacle in 1979 with a Super Bowl winning team comprised entirely of draft picks. That feat will never be repeated again.

[Steeldude]

I remember what Noll said about the players on the team that were already in place by 1969. He told them for the most part they just weren't very good and most would not be on the team in the near future.

I wish it was that was today, but I suppose the salary cap makes it difficult.

[zulater]

Ironically on the day of that draft what excited Steeler fans most was getting Terry Hanratty in the 2nd round. Home town boy who went to Notre Dame, two time All American prominent in the Heismann race. Steeler fans thought they hit the lottery on that one, to the point they were able to forgive the "wasted" 1st round pick on Joe "Who"?

[fansince'76]

I wonder which Steelers draft class is going to be ranked #1?

[ALLD]

I wonder which Steelers draft class is going to be ranked #1?

You're kidding right? 74' was most likely the greatest draft class in the history of the NFL.

[Born2Steel]

I wonder which Steelers draft class is going to be ranked #1?

2016.....I hope

[fansince'76]

You're kidding right? 74' was most likely the greatest draft class in the history of the NFL.

Yes, hence the "chuckle" smiley.

[polamalubeast]

The question is which draft class will be number 2 and 3?

[polamalubeast]

Ironically on the day of that draft what excited Steeler fans most was getting Terry Hanratty in the 2nd round. Home town boy who went to Notre Dame, two time All American prominent in the Heismann race. Steeler fans thought they hit the lottery on that one, to the point they were able to forgive the "wasted" 1st round pick on Joe "Who"?

Every time I think of Terry Hanratty, I think of this game.

http://www.pro-football-reference.co...7411170cle.htm

I know it was in 1974, but his numbers were terrible(2/15 and 3 interceptions in a 26-16 win!!!!!), no matter of the era.

[zulater]

Every time I think of Terry Hanratty, I think of this game.

http://www.pro-football-reference.co...7411170cle.htm

I know it was in 1974, but his numbers were terrible(2/15 and 3 interceptions in a 26-16 win!!!!!), no matter of the era.

Ratso ( his teammates nickname for him) was a great guy, but a God's awful qb! Honestly when you consider the caliber of team he was on and the numbers he put up, you could easily make the argument that he was the worst qb in the games history that played enough years to qualify for an NFL pension. He was that bad!

[lipps83]

You're kidding right? 74' was most likely the greatest draft class in the history of the NFL.

I think it is actually considered the greatest draft class in all of sports. I don't think any other major league sport has had a class with more than two hall of famers, let alone 4.

[tube517]

I wonder which Steelers draft class is going to be ranked #1?

1970 is probably #2...2 HOF'ers and a starting WR. Not bad at all. Tends to be overlooked due to the '74 draft.



EDIT: 1971 Draft

6 starters, 1 HOF'er

Frank Lewis
Jack Ham
Gerry Mullins
Dwight White
Larry Brown
Ernie Holmes

Bill Nunn, Art Jr, Noll and whoever else was on that scouting team were "solid" during the drafts



Wow, 1975, who were those guys drafted? Anyone remember any of them? (Note: That's the first Super Bowl championship draft)

http://www.pro-football-reference.co.../pit/draft.htm

[fansince'76]

1970 is probably #2...2 HOF'ers and a starting WR. Not bad at all. Tends to be overlooked due to the '74 draft.

My vote for #1 goes to 2008...SWEEEEEEEEEED!

[tube517]

My vote for #1 goes to 2008...SWEEEEEEEEEED!

[fansince'76]

Not to mention...

[ALLD]

Last HoFer we drafted was Dermontti Dawson in 1988.

[zulater]

Last HoFer we drafted was Dermontti Dawson in 1988.

Which will change to 2003 once Polamalu is inducted.

[pczach]

Which will change to 2003 once Polamalu is inducted.

The group that won a couple Super Bowls will add to that total.

Certainly Polamalu is a first ballot HOFer. Alan Faneca will get in.

Maybe Hines Ward, James Harrison, and Casey Hampton, plus the possibility of some older players like LC Greenwood.

Big Ben is a no brainer. Antonio Brown is well on his way.

There will be a few more Steelers enshrined over the next 10-15 years.