In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the fate of a team can often hinge on the selection of players during the NFL Draft. The Black and Gold, a franchise renowned for its success, have had their fair share of draft-day triumphs and near-misses.
Aaron Doster / AP photo
The Pittsburgh Steelers take part in the 2021 NFL Draft.
In this article, we'll explore some of the players who almost donned the black and gold, delving into what happened to them, how their careers unfolded elsewhere, and what could have been if they had joined the Steelers.
Devin White (2019 NFL Draft)
In the 2019 NFL Draft, the Steelers traded up to select linebacker Devin Bush with the 10th overall pick. However, one player they considered before making the trade was LSU linebacker, Devin White.
What happened: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected White with the 5th overall pick, five spots ahead of Bush.
How their careers turned out: Both Bush and White have shown immense potential in the NFL, more so White. White played a pivotal role in the Buccaneers' Super Bowl victory in 2020, while Bush had promising potential for the Steelers early on, but he now resides in Seattle with the Seahawks.
What could have been: While it's too early to make definitive judgments, it's intriguing to consider how the Steelers defense would have looked with White alongside their already formidable defense. Defense certainly plays a role in the Steelers’ odds. You can check out Betway to see how they fare against other NFL teams with their current roster.
Aaron Rodgers (2005 NFL Draft)
In the 2005 NFL Draft, the Steelers had the 30th overall pick. They could’ve traded up for quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the University of California, but didn’t.
What happened: The Steelers already had Ben Roethlisberger as their franchise quarterback from a year prior, so they didn’t feel bad that Rodgers got drafted by the Green Bay Packers as the 24th overall pick.
Don Wright / AP Photo
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger with Packers' Aaron Rodgers postgame in 2017 at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
How his career turned out: Rodgers has become one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, winning multiple MVP Awards and leading the Packers to a Super Bowl victory (ironically against the Steelers in 2011).
What could have been: While Roethlisberger has been a tremendous asset to the Steelers, the thought of having Rodgers as a backup and potentially developing him for the future is tantalizing. It's a "what-if" scenario that will forever intrigue Steelers fans.
Randy Moss (1998 NFL Draft)
The 1998 NFL Draft was loaded with talent, including wide receiver Randy Moss from Marshall University. The Steelers held the 26th overall pick that year.
What happened: The Steelers would have needed to trade up, but Moss reportedly had character concerns. He was instead selected 21st overall by the Minnesota Vikings.
How his career turned out: Moss became one of the most electrifying receivers in NFL history. He accumulated over 15,000 receiving yards and 156 touchdown receptions during his career, earning six Pro Bowl selections.
What could have been: Adding Moss to the Steelers' offense could have given them an explosive deep threat and potentially altered the course of their late-'90s and early-2000s playoff runs.
Warren Sapp (1995 NFL Draft)
In the 1995 NFL Draft, the Steelers had the 24th overall pick. One of the players they considered was Warren Sapp, a disruptive defensive lineman from the University of Miami.
What happened: Sapp was selected 12th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Steelers were realistically far off from getting him late.
How his career turned out: Sapp became a dominant force in the NFL, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and winning the Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in 2002. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
What could have been: With Sapp anchoring their defensive line, the Steelers defense could have been even more formidable in the late '90s and early 2000s, potentially leading to more Super Bowl victories.
Dan Marino (1983 NFL Draft)
The Athletic
The Pittsburgh Steelers held the 21st overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. Many expected that the team would pick Dan Marino out of the University of Pittsburgh. Marino was a highly skilled quarterback and a local legend, having set numerous records during his college career. The Steelers, instead, passed on Marino and used their 21st overall pick to draft Gabriel Rivera, a defensive lineman.
What happened: Marino was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 27th overall pick, and the rest is history. Marino became one of the NFL's greatest quarterbacks, setting numerous records and earning nine Pro Bowl selections.
How his career turned out: Marino played 17 seasons with the Dolphins, amassing over 61,000 passing yards and 420 touchdown passes. He's often mentioned among the all-time greats in his position.
What could have been: If Marino had joined the Steelers, it's likely their fortunes in the '80s would have been more impressive. His presence might have added more Super Bowl victories to their already storied history.
Conclusion
In the world of professional sports, the "what-ifs" and near-misses can be just as compelling as the successes. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, these near-missed opportunities serve as a reminder of how the fortunes of an NFL franchise can pivot on a single draft selection.
While they've had their share of draft-day regrets, the Steelers continue to be a powerhouse in the NFL, and their fans can only imagine how different things might have been if a few decisions had gone the other way.
