Most underrated player from Steelers and AFC North rivals entering 2022

Steelers: CB Ahkello Witherspoon

Throughout the years, there have been many players you could argue were the most underrated on the Pittsburgh Steelers. As we prepare to enter the 2022 season, I think Ahkello Witherspoon is the most deserving of this label.

Witherspoon is a player who really struggled to begin the 2021 season — so much so that he was a healthy scratch for 8 games early in the year. When he saw the field in the second half of the season, Witherspoon didn’t look back.

The long, athletic cornerback proved to be well worth the day-three draft capital Pittsburgh gave up to acquire him just before the season. Even after giving up a massive touchdown reception to Henry Ruggs early in the season, Witherspoon finished the year allowing just a 35.1 passer rating to go with 3 interceptions in just 9 games played (3 starts), via Pro Football Reference.

Witherspoon has the size, length, athleticism, and ball skills to develop into a true CB1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. Getting him back this year was key and he could prove to be an incredibly valuable asset this season.

It will be interesting to see if these four AFC North players can finally gain the respect they deserve in the upcoming season. So far, they have been good players who haven’t gotten nearly enough love from the NFL media.