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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Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) prepares to snap the ball agains the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) prepares to snap the ball agains the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Maurkice Pouncey

Draft Pick: Round 1 Pick 18

Now I know what you’re thinking. How can a guy who’s missed 17 games in his career, including the Super Bowl make the top three? Well, because he’s just that good. Maurkice Pouncey one of, if not the best center in the NFL, and the Steelers offense goes to a new level. His ability to get to the next level in the run game and get to the outside on screen passes leads to several big plays a game.

Pouncey has been the starting center for the Steelers since being drafted in 2010. He’s made the Pro Bowl every season he’s been healthy, and was named first-team All-Pro twice, as well as second team twice. His problem, however has been freak injuries. A high ankle sprain in the 2010 AFC Championship game kept him out of Super Bowl XLV, and his play was missed against the Packers. In 2013, Pouncey was lost eight plays into the season after DeCastro took out his knee on a cut block, and in 2015 he fractured his fibula in a preseason game against Green Bay after a Packer fell on his leg, missing the entire season.

A BCS National Championship winner back in 2008, the former Gator was the highest center drafted since 1999 at 18th overall. He was praised for his blocking ability in the run and pass game, as well as his athleticism. Pouncey signed a five-year, $44 million extension in 2014, locking him up long term for the Steelers.

Next: 2. Le'Veon Bell

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