Someone asked that I post the same analysis that I did for the Steelers and the Ravens.  (This is the Steelers edition)    To save space and energy I did not include their entire draft history and all the individual grades.  However, I do have them for anyone's review if anyone wants me to post them. ...and as I've come to realize, rip me for my rating basis.

The key is to read the "Takeaways" section at the end of each team's review.  This explains (in my opinion) the disparity between the Bengals and our two main division rivals.

(And no, I didn't do an analysis for Cleveland...as I think even their fans will agree their drafting is disgusting)

STEELERS - DRAFT PICKS SINCE 2000:

(Total Excludes ’07 and ’08 since those years are virtually impossible to grade at this point)


Total Picks = 54

Failures       = 32 (59%)      ** 6 players from ’07-’08 look to fall into this category

Average
Players        =  6 (11%)       ** 6 players from ’07-’08 look to fall into this category

Good
Players        = 10 (19%)     ** 2 players from ’07-’08 look to fall into this category

Excellent
Players        =  6 (11%)      ** 1 players from ’07-’08 look to fall into this category

** If you use the same modeling to try and come up with the total figures using grades for the ’07 and ’08 players the percentages still turn out in the following manner:

Failures = 55%
Average = 17%
Good = 17%
Excellent = 10%

Total = 69 Picks

BEST YEAR:

-- 2002 (K. Simmons, Randel El, C. Hope, Larry Foote, V. Hayyes, B. Kiesel)

Honorable Mention:

WORST YEAR:

-- 2004 (6 misses out of 8…* but drafted Roethlisberger though)

Honorable Mention:

-- ‘06 (6 misses out of 9…* but drafted S. Holmes, A. Smith and W. Colon)
-- ’01 (5 misses out of 7…* but drafted Casey Hampton and Kendrell Bell)

TAKEAWAYS:

1. The Steelers do not swing and miss on 1st round draft picks.

’00 = Plaxico Burress (Failure…though Good/Excellent w/ NYG)
’01 = Casey Hampton (Excellent)
’02 = Kendall Simmons (Good)
’03 = Troy Polamalu (Excellent)
’04 = Ben Roethlisberger (Excellent)
’05 = Heath Miller (Good)
’06 = Santonio Homes (Excellent)
’07 = Lawrence Timmons (Good)
’08 = Rashard Mendenhall ** (??)

2. On even the Steelers "Worst" years they still drafted pro bowl players.

3. Only 70% average/failure ratio opposed to Cincinnati’s 76%

4. 30% Good/Excellent ratio versus Cincinnati’s 23%

5. Has a President of Football Operations and solid management system in place with a great history that has consistently promoted the same message for decades: Run the ball, play intimidating defense and promote growth from within.