Pittsburgh Steelers’ Elite Defense Dominates Pro Football Focus’ Top 32 Players Ranking by Position.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been synonymous with formidable defense, a reputation they’re reclaiming as they gear up for the 2024 season. Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently unveiled their rankings for the upcoming year, highlighting the Steelers’ defensive prowess over their offensive lineup.
Heading the defensive front, Pittsburgh boasts a formidable duo of edge rushers. T.J. Watt secured the #4 spot, though some argue he deserved higher, citing a slightly lower pass-rush win rate in PFF’s evaluation. His counterpart, Alex Highsmith, impressed at #19, reflecting his elite status in 2023 with a career-high in pressures. Meanwhile, veteran Cameron Heyward, despite a challenging 2023 marred by injury, retains his stature at #5 among interior defenders, poised to rebound in peak form for the new season.
Linebacker Patrick Queen, newly acquired from the Baltimore Ravens, emerged as a key figure at #7 in PFF’s rankings. He is set to anchor the Steelers’ linebacker corps, complemented by a deep rotation including Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb recovering from injury, and rookie Payton Wilson.
In the secondary, rookie standout Joey Porter Jr. earned recognition at #32 among cornerbacks. Known for his exceptional coverage skills despite rookie inconsistencies, Porter Jr. promises to evolve into a top-tier cornerback in 2024. Safeguarding the backfield, Minkah Fitzpatrick secured the #4 spot among safeties, with expectations to return to his playmaking roots after an injury-interrupted 2023 season where his run defense excelled.
Overall, the Steelers’ defensive lineup, spearheaded by Watt, Highsmith, Heyward, Queen, Porter Jr., and Fitzpatrick, embodies a blend of experience and emerging talent. With improvements anticipated across the board, Pittsburgh’s defense appears poised to reclaim its reputation as a dominant force in the NFL, providing a formidable counterpart to their offensive efforts in the upcoming season.