Worst draft pick ever ?

[BlitzburghRockCity]

I was just thinking earlier today for some odd reason, what were some of the worst draft picks in the Cowher era. Looking back on draft day and saying to yourself, what in the world were they thinking...or maybe they had alot of promise coming out of college but just never panned out.

Here's a couple of mine that come to mind...

Troy Edwards..he was a reach to begin with but the front office was so intent on getting a WR that year it wasn't even funny.

Scott Shields.. supposed to be a big, fast safety that could take on the big RB's in the middle and still run with the WR's and TE's down the field...yeah he was a huge flop.

[Steelersfan]

Shields was just plain bad! That would have to be one of the worst easily. Even worse than Edwards.

[Steelerlyn]

Every offensive (take the word literally,if you will) tackle drafted other than Smith and Starks (with the jury still out on Essex and Colon). Kris Farris being a prime example. Danny Farmer. Any time the team openly admits they made a mistake and shouldn't have drafted someone almost before camp even opens is not a good sign. If we don't see big improvement this year, Colclough is going to be added to the list. Hank Poteat was a third round cornerback that couldn't cover anyone, but stuck around as a special teams guy. I don't really want third round picks used on special teams guys. Given the circumstances, I still contend Antwaan Randle El belongs on the list. When given the chance to be a starting receiver, he produces 35 catches and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Antonio Bryant caught over 1000 yards and something like nine touchdowns with a very bad team, and was available when we drafted El. El was a good returner and a nice guy to have for trick plays, but not worth a second round pick.
Alonzo was a #2 that didn't seem to translate into a OLB on draft day. Maybe a guy who was worth a shot much later in the draft. This pick may have been a blessing as in the post-zo era, the personnel dept guys seemed to have a greater say. Maybe that's perception, maybe that's a sneaky observation, I'll never say. Oops.

Shields was a perfect safety. Big and fast. He only had two problems. He couldn't cover and couldn't (wouldn't?) tackle. But he could kick.
Watching Adam Archuleta for the skins last night....well, nevermind.

I'll take some time and come up with some less easy picks. This is something that before today I really never thought of, great question, Top Gun!~

[SteelerSal]

Alonzo Jackson(2nd rd.) is right there with Scott Shields.

[House of Steel]

I hated that pick too, Sal.

Troy Edwards, of course, would be on the top of every fan's mind when it comes to bad picks. I know this is going to rub some people the wrong way, Plaxico Burress was another one that really eats my skin as a bad pick.

Scott Shields, that is number one in my book. 1997-1999 we really screwed up, Will Blackwell (1997), Jeremy Staat (1998) That was just plain awful.

Jamain Stephens (1996), the OT they picked to replace Leon Searcy, He was so out of shape he collapse at training camp the one year, he hardly ever played, after that collapse he was cut.

John Reinstra (1986)--this guy couldn't do shit and cause the Steelers to flop in the late 80s, I remember he couldn't do a damn thing to help us if we lit a fire in his ass.

Huey Richardson (1991)- I think this ranks with Shield, absolutely the worse in my opinion. Star at Florida and only played in 5 games that season and then was cut, never came back to play in the NFL. He was a complete bust.

Tim Worley and Tom Ricketts (1989)-- Worley was absolutely a bust as a running back kept constantly fumbling the darn ball. Ricketts was a Pittsburgh Panthers but ultimately was a huge bust. Surprisely enough, the Steelers even went to the playoffs that year.

That is my two cents.

[suitanim]

Fred Gibson

[AZ_Steeler]

I'll raise some eye brows with my pick... but when you look at the other players who were available at the time you might see where I'm coming from...

Plaxico Burress! Yes I know he brought a lot to the Steelers and did some really good things, but it is ironic the year after he is gone the Steelers win the SB. Other picks taken after Buress, in the first round was:

• Brian Urlacher
• Julian Peterson
• Shaun Alexander

Granted the FO doesn't have a crystal ball so they can't predict how these palyers will turn out, but the dude had an attitude and the bottom line is he's not with the Steelers anymore.

[House of Steel]

That would of been the shit if we had Shaun Alexander, but then we wouldn't of known about Willie Parker. Brian Urlacher is overrated and Juilan Peterson, he is an OK guy in my book. Shaun is the real deal. Imagine him having 28 TDs with us, man we would of been totally unstoppable. I could of seen us go undefeated with him as the rusher.

[Prosdo]

First name that popped into my mind was Troy Edwards.

[Steelerlyn]

Ah yes, the best wide receiver to never play the position the league has ever known. How in the world I overlooked him his beyond me. I know we won a lot of games with him, but how about Kordell Stewart? Electrifying player, poor quarterback.