Who are the highest-graded Steelers players after six games in 2021?

Pro Football Focus recently revealed their grades for the top-rated Pittsburgh Steelers players after six weeks into the 2021season. 

We are six games into the NFL season and the Pittsburgh Steelers are now on their Week 7 bye. Through the early-season turmoil, there was a lot we learned about this team and many players who haven’t lived up to expectations so far.

Fortunately, the Steelers have had some very strong performances in the first six weeks. These players have helped this team go into the bye week on a two-game win streak and they will no doubt be major contributors moving forward.

Recently, Pro Football Focus released a list of their top-5 Steelers players grades through the first six games of the 2021 season. Here are the players who have graded out the best for Pittsburgh so far:

If you have been following along so far this season, there really aren’t any big surprises here. Cameron Heyward has arguably been the best interior defensive lineman in the nation early in the season, and age doesn’t seem to be slowing him anytime soon. He is currently PFF’s top-graded defender — besting even the great Aaron Donald more than a quarter of the way through the season.

Just behind him, understandably, is the most valuable player on the team — T.J. Watt. The NFL’s highest-paid edge defender is largely responsible for beating the Bills and the Seahawks this year thanks to some utterly dominant performances. Had it not been for a groin injury that has slowed him, I’m sure Watt would be neck-and-neck with Heyward as the top-graded defender in the NFL.

Chris Wormley grading out as the third-best defender on the team this year is a bit of a surprise, but he’s been rock-solid filling in for Stephon Tuitt, though he’s clearly less dominant getting after the quarterback.

The only two offensive players to crack the top five were WR Diontae Johnson and TE Pat Freiermuth. Despite shaky quarterback play, these two have easily been the best and most consistent offensive players this year — PFF grade aside. They could be even more involved in the offense following the bye.

Other Steelers who deserve recognition

Though these five players graded out the highest so far this season, there are other Steelers who deserve some recognition. Najee Harris has been what we expected as a workhorse back so far. Even with poor offensive line play at times early in the season, he has churned out tough yardage and been effective as a receiver.

Additionally, edge defenders Melvin Ingram and Alex Highsmith have had quietly good starts to the season, while some surprise defensive backs in Arther Maulet and rookie Tre Norwood have played remarkably well. Pittsburgh has also gotten very good play out of their special teams in kicker Chris Boswell and rookie punter Pressley Harvin III.

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to continue to get better play from their quarterback, offensive line, linebackers, and most of the secondary, but at least we can be encouraged by some strong performances early in the year. Let’s hope they build on these following their Week 7 bye.