5 best positional groups on the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021

1. Edge Defender

Starters: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith

Role Players: Cassius Marsh, Quincy Roche

Reserve: Jamir Jones

Positional grade: A

How could the Steelers best position not include their best player T.J. Watt? Watt is one of the best in the league not only as an edge player but among the best defensive players around the league and why he’s been a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award in back-to-back years.  T.J. Watt is certainly Top 5 at the position as Watt finished 2nd with a 91.6 PFF grade for all edge players. The promising news for the Steelers is, Watt is just entering his “prime” years.

Alex Highsmith was Steelers 3rd round pick in last year’s 2020 draft. He played well when he had to step in as the starter after Bud Dupree went down with his season-ending injury. Highsmith was an athletic and productive college player and showed flashes in his rookie season. Highsmith graded out 24th at the position by PFF with a 72.9 grade. The hope is that a full offseason in the weight room will only help his play strength and normal training camp will only improve his pass-rushing technique for this season.

Quincy Roche was the edge rusher drafted out of Miami this year in the 6th round. A steal by many, as I had him graded as a 4th rounder. Roche was highly productive out of a good program, but his smaller size and average athleticism likely dropped him in the draft. Without any other free-agent additions, Roche will likely have a big role his rookie season as the 1st off the bench to back Alex Highsmith and even T.J. Watt the few snaps he’s off the field.

Perhaps a few other positions could surprise us this year, but the Steelers edge rushers, along with the interior defensive line, will be the strength of this Pittsburgh team for the 2021 season.