Coming into the 1969 draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers had been the laughingstocks of the NFL, with a total of two postseason appearances in almost four decades of existence. Going into that draft, newly hired coach Chuck Noll targeted little known Joe Greene out of North Texas State University. The next year, Pittsburgh drafted quarterback Terry Bradshaw with the first overall pick. To open up the third round, they then drafted defensive back Mel Blount.
Over the next two seasons, Pittsburgh would continue their run of great drafts.