The Steelers drafted Casey Hampton in the first round (2001) with hopes that his size, strength, and workmanlike attitude would give them the 3-4 nose tackle they had been lacking since the departure of Joel Steed.

Hampton quickly emerged as a force in the middle of the Steelers' defensive line, starting 11 games and playing in all 16. He was a key contributor to both the defense's top-ranking season and fellow rookie Kendrell Bell's immediate success.

At Texas, Casey started 37 consecutive games for the University of Texas and became the first defensive lineman to lead the Longhorns in tackles for two consecutive seasons, registering 9.5 sacks, 54 stops for losses, 56 quarterback pressures, and nine fumbles.