Every year there are players who live up to expectations, play below expectations and go above expectations. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, these five players have overstepped all the hype.
Mike Hilton
Mike Hilton was a relative unknown going into training camp. He was on the practice squad but did not make any headlines when he was signed. Probably most Steeler fans assumed he was there to improve depth at the corner position.
Training camp is where he began to stand out. I think if there were an award, Mike Hilton would have won the award for training camp darling. Hilton then played himself into the slot role in the preseason. He may have won it outright in Week Two of the season, but the preseason put him in a position to win it. Now he has become more than a reliable slot corner.
In a passing league, this role is crucial. He also adds a dimension of being able to blitz and he is a career hard-hitter.
David Decastro
Now we know that David Decastro has been a good guard throughout his career and has certainly lived up to his first-round status. This year, he has pulled away as the Steelers best offensive lineman. He is able to pull and open up holes for Le’Veon Bell to run through. He deserves a lot of the credit for the success that Le’Veon Bell has had. Although you can’t have a successful running game without the other.
Joe Haden
Joe Haden came off some injury problems and some struggles with the Browns. He was cut from the Browns just before the season started. Teams lined up to sign Joe Haden, but ultimately he chose to go to Pittsburgh.
His contract does not have a lot of guaranteed money which is a sign that teams were not confident that Haden would bounce back. He has more than solidified his role as the corner opposite Artie Burns and that has made the Steelers pass defense more than improved. He added an interception in the game against the Bengals.
TJ Watt
Some are calling TJ Watt the steal of the draft. The Steelers have been longing for an edge rusher that could get regular pressure and Watt has done just that. He has also added a run stopping ability and some coverage skills to the Steelers defense.
I am excited about the future of TJ Watt and think his success will make the Steelers defense flourish in the future.
Artie Burns
When Artie Burns was drafted, it came as a bit of a surprise. He was a good corner but was considered a bit raw to be a first rounder. Artie has turned the corner this year and become the Steelers best corner.
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Although I would not call him a “shut-down” corner, he is able to keep team’s top receiver in check. Its a breath of fresh air the way the Steelers corners have improved this year.