With The First Pick
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Pittsburgh Steelers: Best Draft Picks of the 2010’s

By Kris Rogers

Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) returns a punt past Denver Broncos long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) and defensive back Josh Bush (20) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) returns a punt past Denver Broncos long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) and defensive back Josh Bush (20) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) prepares to throw the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) defends during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) prepares to throw the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) defends during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Stephon Tuitt

Draft Pick: 2014: Round 2, Pick 46

Drafted out of Notre Dame, Stephon Tuitt has cemented himself as a cornerstone of the defense going forward. As a prospect, Tuitt was praised for his prototypical size for a 3-4 defensive end at 6-5, 305 lbs. but saw a drop in production his senior year due to injuries and weight gain. This drop allowed him to slide out of the first round and to the middle of the second where the Steelers could grab him.

Midway through the 2014 season, Tuitt supplanted FA acquisition Cam Thomas as the primary defensive end opposite Cameron Heyward, and greatly improved the defense with his aggressive play. His play took a big step forward in his second season. In 14 games, Tuitt totaled 54 tackles and 6.5 sacks and one interception. His improvement helped the Steelers become a top-five rush defense.

As to why he isn’t higher on this list, Tuitt isn’t even the best defensive end on the team, and only has a year and a half worth of game time under his belt. However, he was recently named to NFL.com’s All-Under-25 Team along with teammate Le’Veon Bell, so there’s plenty of hope for his future in Pittsburgh.

Next: 9. Ryan Shazier

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