3 most underrated Steelers from the 2019 season

The Steelers season has gone much better than expected, considering the circumstances. Here are my three most underrated players of the 2019 season.

Regardless of their disappointing performance against the Baltimore Ravens to close the season, Steelers fans should be proud of the way they rallied this year. After losing their franchise quarterback all the way back in Week 2, most expected Pittsburgh to cave and throw in the towel. However, they went on to surprise the nation with a .500 season in the face of adversity.

While there was a plethora of growing pains on the offensive side of the ball this season, not all was bad. Several players flew under the radar in 2019. When the dust finally settles on the season, I think we will look back and see just how good they were for this football team.

Here are my three most underrated Steelers of the 2019 season:

James Washington

JuJu is always going to be the most talked-about receiver on the team, but let’s take a moment to reflect on the improvements we have seen in James Washington this year. As a rookie, Washington finished the season tied for the lowest overall grade among all wide receivers, according to Pro Football Focus. However, he turned things around in a remarkable way this season.

Though he struggled at times in the first half of the season, he has been spectacular since Week 9. Washington may become no more than the Steelers 3rd option in the passing game with JuJu healthy and Diontae Johnson emerging. But it’s good to know that he can be relied on moving forward.

Matt Feiler

Every other starting offensive lineman on the team is talked about more than former undrafted right tackle, Matt Feiler. But that, by no means, makes him worse than his counterparts. Feiler is perhaps the least talked about starter on the team, but he quietly had an excellent season.

Feiler isn’t flashy, but he has been perhaps the most consistent offensive lineman in Pittsburgh this year, and he has churned out a better PFF grade than any lineman on the team this year. He deserves to be recognized.

Steven Nelson

Joe Haden is constantly the most talked about cornerback on the Steelers – and I don’t have an issue with that. He’s a flashy veteran who takes the ball away better than any corner they have had in years. However, I think Steven Nelson is the more consistent player of the two.

Nelson wasn’t a highly coveted player this past offseason as he was the most targeted cornerback in the league in 2018. However, when you put on the tape, you see a gritty competitor who does everything in his power to lock down his man. With a year in Pittsburgh under his belt, Nelson could be even better next season.

There are obviously many other players on the team who deserve recognition for their efforts, but I don’t feel like these three have been given enough love this season. Perhaps they will make their presence felt in a greater way in 2020.