Top 5 Pittsburgh Steelers Players
T.J Watt runs out of the tunnel pregame. (Photo: PICRYL)
After a very disappointing end to the 2023 season for Steelers fans, there is still some hope for next year. There are many key players returning that hope to lead the team to a better result next season. Here are the top 5 current Pittsburgh Steelers players.
1. TJ Watt
T.J Watt went on another tear in his sixth season in the NFL. A tear that has put him at the forefront of the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year conversation. He finished with a league leading 19.0 sacks, had 44.0 solo tackles, 4.0 forced fumbles, and an interception. By far the most impactful player on the Steelers on both sides of the ball and one of the most impactful players in the entire league. Many feel like it would be a disservice if he does not win the Defensive Player of the Year award this year.
2. Minkah Ftizpatrick
Minkah Fitzpatrick’s 2023 season stats do not do him justice as a player. He was injured for seven games this year. But, even though his stats don’t show it this year, he is probably the second most impactful player on the Steelers defense behind T.J Watt. His leadership and game management is not matched by anyone. He was instrumental in keeping the Steelers season on track during a two game slide late in the year. Multiple reports stated how he kept the players focused on the main goal, and led players in the locker room. His impact is felt with almost no balls ever getting caught behind him downfield. He is also an enforcer on the defense. He is not afraid to fly into tackles with no regard for his safety or his opponents.3. George Pickens
Goerge Pickens is on the brink of greatness. He had 63 receptions for 1,140 yards, with 5 touchdowns, and an average yards per catch of 18.0 yards. This comes after an 800 yard rookie year where he hauled in a catch that is now in the same conversation with Odell’s famous grab. The only thing keeping him from being great though, is his attitude. He had multiple outbursts throughout the season in interviews, on social media, and during games. It is clear that he needs to get out of his own head and just play. He is a natural talent only in his second year. The sky's the limit for Goerge Pickens.
4. Najee Harris
Najee Harris had a very average year in 2022 and started off the 2023 season slow. But, the second half of the season he was unstoppable. He had 1,035 with 8 touchdowns and a 4.1 average. He seemed to finally realize what his biggest assets were towards the end of the season. His size and strength. The one-two punch of Najee and Jaylen Warren was incredible. He would plough through opposing defenders and drag them five yards downfield. Part of the reason for his late season comeback was that Harris spent the first games of the 2022 season injured. This led to a slow start last season and it may have taken him until late this season to get used to playing again.
5. Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren was by far the biggest surprise coming out of the Steelers this season and one of the biggest surprises in the league. He has spent much of his career as Najee’s backup and had limited reps until this season. But, he had a fantastic season and ended up almost splitting reps with Harris at the end of the year. His speed and strength propelled him to 784 yards and 4 touchdowns. These stats may be slightly low but his impact goes far beyond these stats. His 5.3 yards per carry was the spark that the Steelers offense needed in the latter half of the season. When in doubt, give it to Warren. The tandem he provided with Najee Harris led to one of the best Steelers rushing games we have seen in years.
Minkah Fitzpatrick celebrates with teamates after a turnover (Photo: NARA & DVIDS Public Domain Archive)