Three Steelers Make CBS Sports’ Top 100 Players of 2024 List

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco revealed his annual NFL Top 100 Players of 2024 rankings on Tuesday morning, and three Pittsburgh Steelers players made the list.

Outside linebacker T.J. Watt received the highest ranking among Steelers players, coming in at No. 5. Among defensive players, Watt was behind only Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett, who was ranked the second-best overall player in the NFL. To no surprise, Patrick Mahomes was No. 1 for the second consecutive year in Prico’s rankings.

Prisco noted that Watt led the NFL in sacks with 19 last season and remains a true game-wrecker. After an injury-riddled year in 2022, Watt jumped up from No. 11 to No. 5 in Prico’s rankings.

Wide receiver George Pickens appeared on Prico’s list for the first time, coming in at No. 68. The third-year receiver out of Georgia could be destined for an All-Pro leap in 2024.

“He had 63 catches in an offense that struggled to get good quarterback play last season. But the most impressive number was his 18.1 yards-per-catch average. He is a big-play threat any time he is on the field and improved quarterback play will help him,” Prisco wrote of Pickens.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens during minicamp on June 13, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick concluded the list, dropping 30 spots from last year at No. 71. Fitzpatrick dealt with a slew of injuries in 2023 and forced no turnovers. He was the co-leader for interceptions in 2022 with six.

“With little help from the second level last season, Fitzpatrick wasn’t as good on the back end as in recent years. He was also limited by injury. At his best, he is a game changer who can cover a lot of ground,” Prisco wrote.

The biggest omission from Prico’s list, in regards to Steelers players, was Cam Heyward. Heyward was ranked No. 39 last year by Prisco, and now he’s not even considered a top 100 player in the NFL.

Heyward, 35, dealt with a nagging groin injury last season, and clearly wasn’t the same player. He was essentially playing on one leg. The snub will probably add more fuel to the fire for Heyward, who’s currently in contract negotiations with the Steelers. Heyward wants to play at least three more years.