Steelers Now
Three active players on the Pittsburgh Steelers have made Pro Football Focus’ All-Star Team for the franchise.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long list of great players from the past 20 years, but three active members have made Pro Football Focus’ All-Star Team.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth, outside linebacker T.J. Watt and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward highlight the Steelers’ All-PFF Team.
“The Steelers’ offense reached its peak in 2015, when it ranked fourth in points scored and third in total yards. Nine of the 12 players on this All-PFF offense were part of that unit, with Super Bowl winners Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward, along with current tight end Pat Freiermuth, serving as the three exceptions,” Nathan Jahnke of PFF wrote.
“The Steelers were somewhat unique in that several of their top defenders overlapped. T.J. Watt and James Harrison rarely shared the field and peaked at different points in their Hall of Fame-caliber careers, but the linebacker group still features players who spent four seasons together. Likewise, all three defensive linemen were teammates from 2016-19.”
Freiermuth is certainly a surprise appearance on the team. He’s coming off the worst season of his NFL career that he played in every game.
However, he’s been reliable when his name has been called, recording 261 receptions for 2,676 yards and 22 touchdowns since he was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Watt and Heyward, on the other hand, have been undoubtedly two of the best Steelers of the last two decades.
Watt has recorded 517 tackles, 115 sacks, 36 forced fumbles, 14 fumble recoveries, 58 passes defensed and nine interceptions since entering the league in 2017.
Heyward has 796 tackles, 92 sacks, nine forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, 64 passes defensed and two interceptions sine 2011.
Former Steelers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick also made the team, but they currently play for the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, respectively.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Three Active Players Highlight Steelers All-PFF Team
