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Pittsburgh Steelers: Ranking the 10 best players of the past decade

By Samuel Teets

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a pass during the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a pass during the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

8. James Harrison, OLB

Speaking of legendary Steelers linebackers, Harrison left his imprint on Pittsburgh’s franchise in the late 2000s and early 2010s. While three of his five peak seasons came in the 2000s, Harrison continued wreaking havoc on opponents for Pittsburgh.

In 2010, the undrafted linebacker from Kent St. recorded 10.5 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, 100 tackles, six forced fumbles, and two interceptions. That season, the Associated Press selected Harrison as a First-Team All-Pro for the second and final time. While he made the Pro Bowl in 2011, Harrison never reached the All-Pro level again.

In 2013, Harrison left Pittsburgh for one season in Cincinnati before returning to Mike Tomlin’s squad as a rotational pass rusher. Despite no longer holding the starting role, Harrison continued delivering in the clutch for Pittsburgh. The Steelers waited for key situations before unleashing the beast on opponents.

From 2014 to 2016, Harrison amassed 15.5 sacks and 38 quarterback hits. Unfortunately, he and the Steelers underwent a nasty divorce in 2017 that resulted in Harrison signing with the rival New England Patriots. Harrison holds Pittsburgh’s franchise record in sacks with 80.5..

7. David DeCastro, G

After a disappointing rookie season in 2012, DeCastro settled in as Pittsburgh’s starter at right guard. The Stanford product became everything the Steelers wanted in a first-round offensive lineman. By 2015, DeCastro entered the top-three conversation for the NFL’s best guards.

In 2015, DeCastro earned the first of two First-Team All-Pro selections with the other coming in 2017. He also began a running streak of Pro Bowl appearances that currently sits at five. DeCastro joins Dallas’ Zack Martin in reaching each of the last five Pro Bowls.

While the 30-year-old guard may be experiencing some regression and does not see a path to the Hall of Fame, he still stands out as arguably the best lineman on the front that opened holes for the Killer B’s offenses.

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