As we inch closer to training camp and the unveiling of the final 53-man roster, we have decided to create a roster of our own. We will look into the Steelers of years past and put together an All-Time Pittsburgh Steelers depth chart. It has proven to be a fun exercise to heat up debate and compare how the game has evolved over the years. For this edition, we look at the defensive line.

Defensive End

1.L.C. Greenwood

Greenwood is one of the first names that come to mind when thinking of the origin of the term “Steel Curtain” defense. Greenwood was drafted in 1969, but did not start until 1971. He started until 1980 and helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls, while being named to two All-Pro teams and six Pro Bowls himself.

Greenwood recorded 73 sacks and 14 fumble recoveries. It was all enough to be named to the 1970’s All-Decade team. It really is a shame that he has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

2. Aaron Smith

Smith will nationally be a very underrated name when talking about great players of the past twenty years. However, any Steeler fan will tell you the value he brings should give him a case for the Hall of Fame.

Smith did not wow you with stats, and only made one Pro Bowl. What he did do was take on blockers and free space for quicker outside linebackers to make plays. It helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls and makes him a starter on the All-Time roster.

3. Dwight White

White was the second end on the famous Steel Curtain opposite of Greenwood. He was a starter for all four Super Bowl teams in the 1970’s, and made two Pro Bowls along the way. He recorded 46 sacks in his career.

Keith Willis, who recorded a 14 sack season in 1983, as well as fan favorite Brett Keisel could definitely make an argument for the backup position. However, with the success of the defensive line, and what White and Greenwood did together, those two belong in the top three.

Defensive Tackle

1.Joe Greene

Could it be anybody else? Greene was the rock for the Steelers and the franchise ignitor from 1969-1981. It is hard to think of any famous Steelers without bringing up the name “Mean” Joe Greene. Greene had five All-Pro awards, and 10 Pro Bowls in his Hall of Fame career. And is a Pittsburgh legend.

2. Ernie Stautner

Stautner is tough to place in history given that he retired in 1963. The game has changed a lot, but the dominance that Stautner showed over his 14-year career speaks for itself. He made nine Pro Bowls and 10 All-Pro teams. He was named to the 1950’s All-Decade team. Due to that prolonged dominance, he deserves a spot.

3. Casey Hampton

“Big Snack” definitely deserves a spot on the team. He was an instant starter from being drafted in 2001 and was a force all the way through his retirement in 2012. Hampton made five Pro Bowls, and probably deserved more, but was less respected due to low sack numbers. He helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls and could not be left off of the All-Time team.