Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin largely believes that the outside linebackers are the key cogs in the engine that is the defense in the Steel City.
Good news is, he has two top 25 players at the position, at least according to Pro Football Focus’ end of season rankings.
In PFF’s EDGE defender rankings compiled by Jonathon Macri, outside linebackers Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt landed inside the top 25 overall. It’s not all that surprising. Where they ranked is surprising though.
Watt led the way for the Steelers, landing at No. 18 overall after an injury-filled year that saw him miss seven games and record just 5.