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When it comes to the impact a defensive player can have on a game, there are few who can compare to Pittsburgh Steelers edge defender T.J. Watt. Watt is much more than just a pass rusher who forces opposing offenses to know where he is on every single play.
But when Pro Football Focus put out their list of the best defensive linemen, based on their grading system, the best Watt could get was No. 6.
Watt checked in behind fellow edge defenders Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa but also graded lower than defensive tackles Chris Jones and Dexter Lawrence.
The Top defensive linemen in the NFL, per the PFF50
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After a down 2022 season hampered by a torn pectoral, Watt made a huge bounceback in 2023. Watt led the NFL with 19 sacks and finished second in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Watt is the undisputed leader of the Steelers defense and continues to be one of the best defensive players in the NFL.