Two Pittsburgh Steelers named to Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team

Two Pittsburgh Steelers continued the team’s end of year recognitions, being named to the Pro Football Writers of America 2017 All-Rookie team.

After having six players named to the All-AFC team, the Pro Football Writers of American honored two more members of the black and gold. JuJu Smith-Schuster and T.J. Watt have both been named to the 2017 All-Rookie team, as voted on by the members of the PFWA.

Smith-Schuster jumped on the scene early for Pittsburgh. Maybe it wasn’t his on-the-field antics that earned him the love from fans at first, but eventually, JuJu became a household name in the Steel City.

His 58 catches, 917 yards and seven touchdowns were second on the team. On top of his few but meaningful kick returns and his character during touchdown celebrations, Smith-Schuster is one of the brightest young talents in the NFL.

T.J. Watt was going to be a monster and everyone knew it. Maybe not everyone believed he would basically push James Harrison out of Pittsburgh. But now that it’s happened, everyone is excited about the future.

Watt finished his rookie campaign with 54 tackles and seven sacks. Coming off the edge opposite of Bud Dupree, Watt became the more dangerous of the Steelers edge rushers early in the season and never looked back.

These two have become significant parts of this team. Next year, their roles will be even bigger and expectations higher, but nothing the Steelers’ second-year studs can’t handle. With the talent surrounding them, their ceilings are limitless heading into 2018.

Next: 2017 Steelers Season Awards

Smith-Schuster and Watt will be major players in the Steelers 2018 Super Bowl run. Even if this season didn’t end how many hoped, the light at the end of the tunnel is still ahead. Pittsburgh has a lot of bright spots moving forward. And right now, JuJu Smith-Schuster and T.J. Watt are some of the brightest guys on the roster.