Legendary CBS Sports NFL analyst Pete Prisco released his annual Top 100 list, which includes a strong presence from the Steelers roster.
As expected, All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt was the highest-ranked Steeler at No. 5, jumping six spots from last year's ranking of 11th. Surprisingly, he was put three positions below Cleveland Browns defensive linebacker Myles Garrett, despite leading the NFL in sacks with 19.
New to the list was receiver George Pickens, who led the league last season with an 18.1 yards-per-catch average despite shaky quarterback play and a questionable offensive system. In Prisco's analysis, he noted how Pickens quickly established himself as a top outside threat.
"He had 63 catches in an offense that struggled to get good quarterback play last season. But the most impressive number was his 18.1 yards-per-catch average. He is a big-play threat any time he is on the field and improved quarterback play will help him."
Despite an injury-plagued 2023 season, Prisco ranked All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick at No. 71 (down 30 spots from last year). With the upgrades the team made to their second-level linebackers and in their secondary this offseason, Fitzpatrick should be able to return to his 2022 form, when he led the league with six interceptions.
The most notable absence from this year's list was veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward, who was featured at No. 39 on last year's Top 100 list. With the likely reason stemming from a serious groin injury that kept him out, Heyward was listed as a notable mention along with linebackers Patrick Queen and Alex Highsmith.
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