The NFL’s Top 100 list always generates plenty of buzz among football fans. It often features several players from the defending Super Bowl champions, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are routinely well represented. While some Steelers clearly deserve their spots, fans can also point to several notable snubs each year. Pro Football Network recently released its own Top 100 rankings, and the Steelers once again earned strong representation.
The Steelers placed four players on PFN’s Top 100 NFL players list. However, one standout player feels like a glaring omission. Here are the four Steelers who made the list, along with the biggest snub from PFN’s Top 100.
Zach Frazier — No. 75
Zach Frazier has been one of the most impactful draft picks of Steelers general manager Omar Khan’s tenure. He has brought stability and All-Pro-caliber play to the center position while quickly following in the footsteps of the franchise’s legendary centers.
Don’t be surprised to see Frazier continue climbing these rankings as his career progresses. Frazier continues to refine his game while elevating the play of those around him. It seems only a matter of time before he earns the Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors he deserves.
Cam Heyward — No. 49
Cam Heyward continues to give Father Time a run for his money. In the process, he has cemented himself as one of the greatest defensive tackles of his generation. Based on these rankings, he remains one of the NFL’s top 50 players.
There’s not much to argue with there. He remains as dominant as ever against the run while continuing to make an impact as a veteran pass defender. When he isn’t collapsing the pocket and bringing down quarterbacks, he’s batting passes down at the line of scrimmage.
T.J. Watt — No. 42
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T.J. Watt has an opportunity to flip the script in 2026. After leading the NFL with 19 sacks in 2023, his production has declined over the past two seasons. However, a new defensive system could help him return to his dominant form.
Watt falls surprisingly low in these rankings. If he returns to his usual level of production, though, he’ll remind everyone why he earned his lucrative contract extension.
Joey Porter Jr. — No. 33
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Joey Porter Jr. is finally getting the recognition he deserves. PFN ranked him among the NFL’s top 35 players, and it’s hard to argue with that assessment. He has been the Steelers’ top cornerback since Joe Haden’s retirement and has drawn praise from analysts and former players alike.
Porter has become one of the cornerstones of the Steelers’ defense. He consistently erases opposing receivers, locks down his side of the field, and has significantly improved as a tackler.
Should Have Made It: Alex Highsmith
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Alex Highsmith deserved a spot in PFN’s Top 100. Despite missing four games last season, he still led the Steelers in sacks. He remains one of the defense’s most important players, and his impact extends well beyond rushing the passer. Since entering the league, he has developed into one of the NFL’s better edge defenders against the run.
Over the course of his career, Highsmith has totaled 45 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 91 quarterback hits, and 64 tackles for loss. His 2025 campaign was one of the best seasons of his career, making his omission from the Top 100 even more surprising.
