Continuing our brief offseason flashback series of some of the Pittsburgh Steelers most notable draft picks of the century. In 2001, the team made the rare move of trading down in the first round, slipping three spots from No. 16 to No. 19 in a deal with the New York Jets. A well-calculated move that still landed the team Texas NT Casey Hampton.
Before the pick, the draft and ESPN’s coverage brought an interesting blend. A young Mike Tirico providing commentary. A cutaway to Suzy Kolber to cover the Atlanta Falcons trading up from No. 5 to No. 1 with the San Diego Chargers to select QB Mike Vick immediately followed by NBA highlights. Something you’d never see during the draft today.
After the Detroit Lions selected Michigan OT Jeff Backus at No. 18, the Steelers came on the clock. With overwhelming results, a pre-pick poll had fans arguing Pittsburgh should select Purdue QB Drew Brees. ESPN’s panel assumed it would be a cornerback like Ohio State’s Nate Clements. Instead, it was Hampton.
Immediately after the pick, the panel, led by Mel Kiper Jr. and Joe Theismann continued to show surprise the Steelers didn’t address the secondary. Soon, the conversation steered to Hampton, his accolades, and fit in Pittsburgh. Here’s a clip.
It might be the first time I’ve ever seen Hampton with hair.
Theismann warmed up to the idea, noting the run-heavy nature of the division, the old AFC Central, that featured the likes of the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens.
For all the questions in the moment, Hampton proved to be a great pick. An elite run-stuffer perfect for the division and Pittsburgh’s style of play. Hampton didn’t post big-time stats but his value in freeing up his teammates was immense. He would go on to help Pittsburgh win two Super Bowls. Both times, Hampton and the defense shined.
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