Steelers Almost Landed Hall of Fame Caliber WR
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers nearly had one of the NFL's greatest diamonds in the rough.
During an appearance on the New Heights Podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, one potential Hall of Fame wide receiver gave a little insight into his NFL Draft process. And before he was selected with the 232nd pick, he almost ended up in Pittsburgh as a Steeler.
Julian Edelman finished his NFL career with three Super Bowl rings and a Super Bowl MVP. He was named to the New England Patriots 2010's Team and All-Dynasty Team. But before the Pats called him late in the 2009 draft, he was on the Steelers' radar.
"I got worked out by the Steelers as a safety," Edelman said. "The Patriots, man, they ran me through it all. They worked me out as a running back, defensive back, and wide receiver. They worked me out three times, and that was really unheard of, honestly. Every other workout outside of the Patriots and Steelers was as an athlete."
In 2009, the Steelers lined up Troy Polamlu and Ryan Clark at safety with Ryan Mundy and Tyrone Carter as their backups. So, chances were Edelman wasn't making the roster as a defensive back that season.
If he found his way over to the offensive side of the ball, like he did in New England, things could've been different. Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes were the starters with Mike Wallace and Limas Sweed as the depth pieces. So, as long as he could beat out Sweed, he would've gotten a shot.
Instead of Edelman, the Steelers selected center A.Q. Shipley with the 226nd pick. His first NFL action came in 2012, but he did go on to play eight active seasons in the NFL.
They also drafted fullback David Johnson with the 241st pick, who played seven active seasons.
Edelman went on to finish his career with 620 receptions, 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns. He's eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025.
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