The Pittsburgh Steelers had just one player on NFL Network's Top 100 best players list heading into Sunday night's final release of the remainder of the group. That was Cameron Heyward coming it at #42 on the list. It was quite shocking not to see safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick not join the list this year, but there was one defensive beast who didn't just make it into the top 20, but the final 10. Many Steelers fans can probably guess who was voted as one of the best in the NFL. That guy was reigning Defensive Player of the Year and absolute menace, T.J. Watt.
Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
It was announced on NFL Network's "top 100" special that Watt came in at #6. He is absolutely deserving of the honor. The Steelers' star shouldn't see himself bounce out of the top 10 anytime soon as he is on track to have a decorated career. He is following in the footsteps of his older brother, J.J. Watt.
.@_TJWatt lands at #️⃣6️⃣ on the #NFLTop100
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 29, 2022
📝: https://t.co/BeJHYZ3ZfT pic.twitter.com/GXppHHVXYD
The edge rusher is coming off of a record-tying 22.5 sacks in 2021. He added 21 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles in the most dominant season of his young career. Watt headed into last year's season after signing a lucrative four-year extension. He backed up the Steelers' belief in him with an incredible year. Watt is beginning to put together a Hall of Fame career and has 80 tackles for loss, 72 sacks and 22 forced fumbles since he was drafted in 2017.
The most notable competitor that was not ahead of Watt on the rankings was Cleveland Browns' edge rusher, Myles Garrett. Most Steelers fans remember that Garrett received a 99 overall rating in the Madden NFL 2022 video game and Watt was not given the honor. With that said, it appears Watt is getting the last laugh this year with their peers electing Watt to be ranked higher on the top 100 list.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 31: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns rushes against Dan Moore Jr. #65 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams cornerback joined Jalen Ramsey joined Watt in the top ten, coming it at #9. Star defensive lineman, Aaron Donald's ranking has not yet been revealed and it looks as if Watt won't be the most voted for and given the honor of the best defensive player on the list. That adds more fuel to the fire for Watt, who consistently says accolades and success only makes him want to be even better and reach new heights.
The ranking for Watt comes shortly after the Steelers 19-9 win against the Detroit Lions in the final pre-season game of the season. One of the bigger scares of the night was him exiting with a knee injury, although head coach, Mike Tomlin said at halftime that if it were a regular season game he could have returned.
Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Watt continues to be recognized as not just the best at his position, but one of the best players on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL. The rankings are voted on by players throughout the league and it is clear that Watt is highly respected by his peers. The unfortunate part for the other 31 teams is that he will continue to wreak havoc on opposing offenses for years to come.
What do you think the ranking for Watt? Should he be higher or lower? Let us know in the comments below!
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