Who was the Steelers’ top value draft pick since 2006?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been a team who builds from within. In other words, they don’t rely on free agency, but focus on the NFL Draft to build the foundation of a successful franchise.

Barring a drastic change in the front office, this isn’t likely to change anytime soon. Kevin Colbert has been doing a tremendous job drafting players since he took over as the General Manager. Sure, there have been some duds, but there have also been some tremendous value picks to accompany those few early round misses.

Which pick was the Steelers’ best “value pick”? Pro Football Focus (PFF) took a stab at all 32 teams’ best value pick since 2006, and it shouldn’t shock anyone who they chose for the Steelers.

None other than Mr. Big Chest himself, Antonio Brown.

See what they said about the selection:

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: WR ANTONIO BROWN, CENTRAL MICHIGAN (195TH OVERALL IN 2010)

While Brown has kept himself out of the limelight this offseason, don’t let his recent transgressions distract you from how good he was at his peak. He notched 100-plus receptions in six straight seasons and averaged 1,524 yards a year over that span.

When you select arguably the best wide receiver in the game in the 6th round, it is hard to argue with such a selection, but who else could be considered a value pick since 2006? Here are a few names which stood out...

Martavis Bryant — 4th Round, 2014
Vince Williams — 6th Round, 2013
Kelvin Beachum — 7th Round, 2012
William Gay — 5th Round, 2007

As I looked back at the Steelers’ draft picks for all those years, I tried to think about players who were 4th round or later, and who have proven themselves as great players for the Steelers.

It also should be noted this isn’t counting undrafted players like Ramon Foster or Matt Feiler.

So, do you agree with Brown being the team’s best value pick since 2006? Outside of your overall disdain for Brown, is there someone else you would have put ahead of him? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the 2021 regular season.