As Mike McCarthy prepares to take the reins in 2026, the legacy of his predecessor, Mike Tomlin, looms large over the Pittsburgh Steelers. For nearly two decades, from 2007 to 2025, Tomlin was the steady hand guiding one of the NFL's most storied franchises, securing eight AFC North titles and 13 playoff appearances.

A significant pillar of that sustained success was the team's performance in the NFL Draft, particularly their crucial first-round selections. Building a contender requires hitting on premium talent, and Tomlin's tenure was defined by several cornerstone picks that became franchise legends.

Let's review the Steelers' first-round draft history during the Tomlin era and grade how those pivotal selections ultimately worked out for the black and gold.