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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 worst draft picks of all-time

By Dani Bostick

Sep 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet rest on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Steelers won 37-19. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet rest on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Steelers won 37-19. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 12, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; A detailed view of a Pittsburgh Steelers helmet before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; A detailed view of a Pittsburgh Steelers helmet before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Defensive Tackle Darryl Sims, Round 1, 1985

This bust draft pick is particularly terrifying since the Steelers will likely aim to improve their defensive line this year. After all, the draft class of 2016 is tremendously deep at defensive tackle, so by the time the Steelers pick towards the end of the first-round, there should still be phenomenal talent available at that position.

What if they end up with someone like Darryl Sims? Sims was drafted twentieth overall in the first round of the 1985 draft. Sims had success at the University of Wisconsin but had a rough transition to the NFL. By “rough” I mean that he played horribly. The second coming of “Mean” Joe Greene he was not. Not by a long shot.

The 80s were rough years for the Steelers defense, and Sims did nothing to improve their status. He had just three sacks during two seasons with the Steelers, hardly the productivity one expects to see from a first-round draft pick.

He was with the Steelers from 1985-1986 and then finished out his short career with the Cleveland Browns through 1988.

For the 2016 draft, fans are hoping that the Steelers will avoid terrible picks and live up to their reputation as a team that excels at evaluating talent and drafting well.

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