With the NFL Draft less than 25 days away, the excitement continues to grow. As a fan we often pay attention to the first few rounds and then lose a bit of interest in the later rounds, but that can be a mistake. The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some late round picks that have turned out to be not just role players but vital pieces to the franchise. Let’s take a look at a few of the more recent later round picks who overachieved according to where they were drafted and became household names.

Brett Keisel

Drafted in the 7th round of the 2002 NFL Draft, Brett Keisel turned into a key piece of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense in the 2000’s. At 6’ 5, 285 pounds, it was no surprise why the Steelers made the late round pick, he fits the ideal mold of a Steelers defensive end. Keisel played in 156 games while starting 114 of them. He amassed 408 total tackles, 30 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 9 fumble recoveries 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown. In 2010 he earned a pro bowl selection and was a two-time Super Bowl Champion.

William Gay

Drafted in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL Draft, cornerback Big Play William Gay was selected. William Gay didn’t come with the nickname big play, but definitely earned it. Gay played eleven seasons in the NFL, ten with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his career with the Steelers, he played 176 games while starting 101. Gay totaled 577 Total tackles, 13 interceptions with 5 returned for touchdowns which ties Rod Woodson for the most in Steelers history (but Gay did it in less games). Gay also won a Super Bowl with the Steelers in 2009. As impressive as William Gay was with his play, his greatest accomplishment may be having the longest touchdown celebration in NFL history.

Antonio Brown

Drafted in the 6th round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Antonio Brown will not only be remembered as one if the best wide receivers in Steelers history but in NFL history. Antonio Brown spent 9 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers playing in 130 games while starting 103 of them. With the Steelers AB had 837 receptions, 11,207 yards and 74 touchdowns. AB went on a 6-year run that was one of the best runs we have ever seen. From 2013 – 2018 Brown averaged 144 receptions, 1200+ yards and 11+ touchdowns. There was a point he was on pace to be put amongst the likes of Jerry Rice, Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. AB twice led the NFL in receptions, twice led in receiving yards and once led in touchdowns. From 2010 – 2020, Brown has the most first-team All-Pro selections at his position with 4. Along with 4 all pro selections, AB was selected to 7 pro-bowls.

Vince Williams

Drafted in the 6th round of the 2013 NFL Draft was inside linebacker Vince Williams, one of my favorite all time Steelers. Vinny was the embodiment of what a Pittsburgh Steeler is; he was low maintenance, hardworking, physical, fearless and selfless. Williams played 121 games and started 69 of them. He accumulated 479 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, 45 QB hits, 6 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown. Williams won’t blow you away with his stats, he wasn’t a perennial pro bowl selection, and didn’t win a Super Bowl but you will be hard pressed to find anyone Steelers players along with Steelers Nation respected more. Vince was the perfect complement to stud Ryan Shazier. Shazier was the uber athletic, all over the field do everything type player while Vince was the “hit anything moving” type player. Vince loved to do the dirty work and was great at it.

While players selected in the first few rounds are expected to be impact players, there are occasions where a later round pick can be hidden gems. Every team needs role players to fill out their roster, sometimes an expected roll player can turn into a star.

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