Steelers have 2 representatives on list of top 25 players under age 25

The Steelers have some rising young talent. Here’s why two Pittsburgh players cracked CBS’s list of top 25 players under the age of 25.

Despite picking late in the NFL Draft almost every year, the Steelers have somehow been able to string together some really talented draft classes in an effort to set themselves up for success in the future. Some of these players have already made monumental impacts in Pittsburgh early in their careers.

Recently, CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin put together his list of the top 25 NFL players under the age of 25. Two Steelers made the list: Minkah Fitzpatrick and Chase Claypool. T.J. Watt, who has frequented this list in years past, is now 26 years old and no longer eligible.

In his rankings, Fitzpatrick – arguably the league’s best up-and-coming safety – ranked 13th, while Claypool landed at the end of this list at 24th. Here’s what Benjamin wrote about Pittsburgh’s two representatives in 2021:

"13. Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick (24)A handful of experts scoffed when the Steelers traded a first-rounder to land Fitzpatrick during the 2020 season, but since then, he’s done nothing but establish himself as maybe the game’s top ball hawk on the back end. Nine picks and 20 pass deflections in 30 games with Pittsburgh? When isn’t this guy around the ball? He’s an ideal center-field-style leader.24. Steelers WR Chase Claypool (23)There are so many young wideouts to choose from, but Claypool brings so much to the table long term. He’s got size you can’t teach. He was an instant big-play weapon in Pittsburgh. And he’s got Steelers WR history on his side; no one drafts pass catchers like Steel City, and he’s already showcased the tools to be a future No. 1."

Minkah Fitzpatrick’s appearance on this list was a given. Though he didn’t have quite the same dominating performance in 2020 as he did in 2019, he is now one of the youngest defenders in NFL history to earn 2 first-team All-Pro honors. Chase Claypool’s appearance was a bit more surprising – especially considering that some other talented young players (like CeeDee Lamb) didn’t crack the top 25.

Steelers have promising young talent

We didn’t need a CBS writer to tell us what we already know. The Steelers have some promising up-and-coming talent. Fitzpatrick is already the most polarizing free safety in the NFL, while Chase Claypool had a remarkable good rookie season as a former second-round pick. The big wideout has an incredibly rare combination of size and speed for the position, and his rookie numbers outpaced the great Calvin Johnson in almost every department.

But these two aren’t the only young Steelers who show a lot of promise. Devin Bush had an up and down rookie season in 2019 that included a lot of splash plays. Though he only played in 5 contests last year before tearing his ACL, the Pittsburgh linebacker was improving each game. His elite upside and playmaking ability could make him one of the best defenders in his position in the near future.

Additionally, players like Diontae Johnson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kevin Dotson, Alex Highsmith, and Terrell Edmunds could prove to take significant jumps this season. Even running back Najee Harris – who has yet to play an NFL snap – could prove to be one of the better backs in the league sooner rather than later.

With just 25 spots on the list and 32 NFL teams, it’s impressive that the Steelers had two representatives among the best players in the NFL under the age ot 25. Let’s hope Minkah Fitzpatrick and Chase Claypool continue to build on their reputations in 2021.