As we close in on the finale of the BTSC “Sour 16” to determine who fans have determined to be the ultimate pick that failed to produce the most as a first rounder for the Pittsburgh Steelers since 1969, it is imperative to point out that it was difficult to justify inclusion in this series for more than a few players. It goes to show just how much success and pure luck the scouting department and powers-that-be have had the past 49 drafts.
Our last time out, we saw Jarvis Jones advance to the finals of the Cowher/Tomlin Regional.
- 32% Troy Edwards (218 votes)
- 68% Jarvis Jones (473 votes)
691 votes total
Lets meet our finalists for the Noll bracket.
1985 Darryl Sims DT/DE University of Wisconsin
Sims is Top Ten all-time for tackles for a loss and Sacks for the Badgers, but his two seasons in Pittsburgh were only memorable for being subpar. Post football success was enjoyed by Sims as an NFL assistant for the Raiders and as a chancellor/AD at Wisconson Oshkosh. The Steelers thought they were players for Jerry Rice at the 20th pick, but San Fran traded up. Other names that went immediayely afterwards were KR/DB Jerry Gray, DL William‘The Refrigerator” Perry and WR Jesse Hester.
1991 Huey Richardson DE/OLB University of Florida
Richardson was a favorite going into this bracket. As a Gator, the 6’5” All American had 26.5 sacks and 50.5 tackles for a loss, placing him third and fourth all-time on the list of Swamp greats. Legend has it that with three picks to go the Steelers had WR Alvin Harper from Tennesee, Colorado WR Mike Prichard and Arizona State RB Leonard Russell .on their radar but Dallas, Atlanta and New England snapped each one up respectively and Steeler brass were shamefully unprepared without a Plan D. Richardson played unnaturally as an ILB for the Steelers and had one tackle with two more on ST in his only season as a Steeler. Bill Cowher switched No. 91 to OLB, but he failed to make it and would have been waived outright if the Redskins hadn’t surrendered a seventh rounder. He lasted four games there and seven more with the Jets before being out of football altogether in less than two seasons. Huey found success as well in the business world and blessedly survived the tragedy of 9/11.
Who moves on? Vote below and stay with BTSC for comprehensive draft coverage.
Poll
Who advances to the finals of BTSC’s "Sour 16"?
This poll is closed
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8%
Darryl Sims
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91%
Huey Richardson