The Pittsburgh Steelers have defensive players with ranging skill levels. Here is how I have them categorized according to what they bring to the table.
The Steelers defense performed reasonably well last year, considering some of the holes they had. Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt each made the Pro Bowl last season, and the Steelers finished 6th in the league in defensive yards allowed.
Still, each player on defense is not a cut from the same slab. While some players are boardering on elite, others are below average compared to their NFL peers. Here is how I have each defensive player categorized in terms of skill level:
Elite talent
Cameron Heyward, DL
The Steelers offense saw three elite players in my recent article (Ben Roethlisberger, David DeCastro, and Maurkice Pouncey). However, the defense currently has just one.
Though there are others who could emerge as stars, Heyward is the only player we can currently label as elite. He will look for his look for his 3rd Pro Bowl and 2nd All-Pro in his past 3 seasons.
Emerging NFL stars
T.J. Watt, EDGE
Right now, T.J. Watt is the lone player I categorized as an emerging star. However, it’s entirely possible that others could be there soon. Watt was coming into his own with 13.0 sacks last seasons and 20.0 sacks over his first two years. He will be among the best in the league at his position.
Devin Bush and Javon Hargrave are a few players who will have a chance to elevate themselves to this status. But as of now, Watt is the only young player truly looking like a future defensive star.
Above average starter
Stephon Tuitt, DL
Javon Hargrave, DL
Joe Haden, CB
These three players are all considered above average starters at their positions and are staples to the Steelers defense.
Stephon Tuitt and Javon Hargrave round out one of the better defensive line groups in the league, and Joe Haden is the clear leader of the Steelers secondary. While Tuitt and Haden have likely hit their NFL peeks, Hargrave seems to be getting better, and has a chance to become an emerging star.
Solid role players
Mike Hilton, CB
Steven Nelson, CB
Vince Williams, LB
The Steelers have a few players who aren’t quite in the above average starter category, but are good in the roles that they serve. Mike Hilton is a solid nickle cornerback, but is limited in his role.
Vince Williams has proven to be a solid blitzer and run defender, but he isn’t good enough in pass coverage to be considered above average when compared to his peers across the league. I’m projecting Steven Nelson to fall into this category, though I think he has the potential to be an above average starter.
Below average
Sean Davis, FS
Bud Dupree, EDGE
Mark Barron, LB
Anthony Chickillo, EDGE
Tyson Alualu, DL
Artie Burns, CB
Tyler Matakevich, LB
Cameron Sutton, DB
Brian Allen, DB
Jordan Dangerfield, SS
Dan McCullers
This seems like a broad range of players, and includes both starters and reserves. However, when it comes down to it, all of these players are below average when compared to their NFL peers.
I know we want to make excuses for Dupree and Sean Davis, but having just two starters on this list bodes well for the rest of the defense. The backups are often backups for a reason, and most of the Steelers reserve players fall into this category.
Unproven
Terrell Edmunds, SS
Devin Bush, LB
Ola Adeniyi, EDGE
Justin Layne, CB
Marcus Allen, DB/S
Sutton Smith, LB
Isaiah Buggs, DL
Ulysees Gilbert, LB
There are still many players who will have to prove themselves in the NFL before i tag them with a talent level label. The Steelers rookie class will have an opportunity to show where they belong, as well as Marcus Allen and other young players not mentioned on this list.
Terrell Edmunds struggled some last season, but needs more time for a fair assessment. I fully expect Bush to land in the ‘above average starter’ category with a chance to emerge as a star one day. Layne could potentially do the same if the stars align for him.
It will be interesting to see how things shape up for this rookie class. Hopefully in a year or two we can see more emerging stars in this Pittsburgh defense.