Pittsburgh Steelers: Best Draft Picks of the 2010’s

2. Le’Veon Bell

Draft Pick: 2013 Round 2, Pick 48

Despite now being considered one of the best running backs in the NFL, Le’Veon Bell’s selection caused many Steelers fans to scratch their heads at the time. Not because a running back wasn’t a need, but because Alabama Running Back Eddie Lacy was still on the board, who was considered by many to be the best running back in the draft class.

After rehabbing a foot sprain suffered in the preseason, Bell became the starting running back in Week 4 of the 2013 season. While not amazingly impressive, there was obvious potential. Bell increased his workout regimen, and from the end of his last season at Michigan State to the beginning of 2014, Bell lost 20 pounds, which showed a dramatic increase in his explosiveness.

In his second season, Bell rewrote Steelers record books with 1,361 rushing yards, 854 receiving yards, and 11 total touchdowns. He was also named to the Pro Bowl, All-Pro teams, and was the 2014 Co-Offensive Player of the Year. (He shared that title with No. 1 on this list). However, a hyperextended knee suffered in Week 17 kept him out of the Steelers’ playoff loss to the Ravens the next week.

Bell missed the first two weeks of 2015 after a drug suspension, but returned healthy. However, he only played in six games after tearing his MCL and PCL against the Bengals. He’s currently on track to return for Week 1 of 2016.

Next: 1. Antonio Brown