Pittsburgh Steelers have three players named to CBS Sports' top 100 NFL players of 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs in 2023 in spite of their putrid offensive situation.

QB shuffling, an offensive line that didn't find its footing until late in the season, and the first in-season coach firing since WWII all plagued the team.

But three players stood above the rest when on the field, or at least according to Pete Prisco of CBS Sports.

T.J. Watt ranks 5th in CBS Sports Top 100 NFL Players, 2024

He led the NFL in sacks with 19 last season and remains a true game-wrecker. He bounced back from an injury-shortened 2022 to show he remains one of the game's best edge players. (Last season: No. 11) - Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

Considering that the names above Watt included Patric Mahomes (1), Myles Garrett (2), Trent Williams (3), and Tyreek Hill (4), I would say Watt is about right at fifth overall. There is an argument to be made when it comes to the debate between he and Garrett, but Myles put on a show last season, which is the criteria used for Prisco's rankings, so it's hard to argue one way or another.

I expect a similar ranking this time next year as Watt hones in on an NFL record .

George Pickens Ranks 68th in CBS Sports Top 100 NFL Players, 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. (Last season: NR)
- Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

Another riser, Pickens flashed his true potential last season, but he is still nowhere close to his ceiling in my opinion. Developing as both a route runner and a person will pay dividends for the talented wideout, who I expect to creep into the top 10 if not top 5 conversation at WR by the end of the year.

Minkah Fitzpatrick Ranks 71st in CBS Sports Top 100 NFL Players, 2024

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. (Last season: No. 41) Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

Injuries and out-of-the-box usage hampered the success of Fitzpatrick in 2023, though the latter was placed at the feet of Steelers DC Teryl Austin who openly took blame for Minkah's positioning last season . Expect that to change with the return of "Minkah Ball" in 2024.