The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't exactly earned a ton of praise this off-season, as pundits throughout the league have been down on them as a team. On Sunday, NFL Network's annual "Top 100" list wrapped up, as 1-20 were announced. The players vote on the list, so it's hard to complain with it too much.
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While TJ Watt got his flowers by coming in at No. 6 on the list, a few other Steelers players didn't. Superstar defensive back, Minkah Fitzpatrick, who just signed a large contract extension that made him the highest-paid safety in football. The list didn't reflect a guy who just earned over $73 million though, as he didn't even make an appearance on this year's Top 100 list after being 52nd on last year's list. Many felt he didn't have the same kind of impact in 2021, but that's largely due to the fact that he had to change roles.
.@_TJWatt's highest ranking yet 📈
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) August 29, 2022
The reigning DPOY comes in at #6 on #NFLTop100! pic.twitter.com/191jJSrYIF
Due to the ineffective run defense and front seven, Fitzpatrick had to become more of an in-the-box safety rather than making plays in the secondary. That's reflected in the 124 tackles that he made, most from a non-linebacker in the NFL last season. With a revitalized bunch up front, he should be able to go back to what he does best this upcoming season. Still, his omission is a shocking one. It's not the first time this has happened though, as Madden NFL 23 doesn't even have Fitzpatrick as a top-10 safety, giving him an 89 overall.
Two more Steelers were notably left off, as Diontae Johnson and Najee Harris didn't make it despite the excessive amount of skill position players. Harris' exclusion makes a bit more sense, as even though he had the fourth-most rushing yards in 2021, he was largely ineffective. A lot of that was due to the offensive line play in Pittsburgh, but it makes sense as to why he missed the list, especially after just one season. Some notable running backs that made it over Harris were David Montgomery (98th), Cordarrelle Patterson (73rd), and former Steelers back, James Conner (80th) as 10 RB's made it overall.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 05: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 05, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Johnson missing the list comes a bit of a surprise as well. In total, there were 13 wide receivers on the list. Notably, current free agent Odell Beckham Jr. came in at No. 90 despite not being the same player he once was. Jaylen Waddle coming in at No. 63 on the list is a bit shocking, especially considering Johnson missed the list after a career-best year.
In addition to Watt, defensive lineman Cam Heyward was the only other Steeler to make the list. The veteran came in at No. 42, 15 spots higher than last year. It's well deserved for the former Ohio State standout, as he continues to rack up All-Pro appearances.
ESPN did a list of their own and while they also had Watt as the sixth-best player in football, their opinions on the other two star defenders were quite different from the players'. Heyward came in at No. 82 on that list, while Fitzpatrick was rated 23rd overall.
It's hard to argue with the players voting on their fellow counterparts, but did they get this list wrong? Where should Fitzpatrick have been on the list? Is ESPN's list more accurate? Share your opinion in the comments below!
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