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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

Steelers 23 most important players for 2023

If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to return to the playoffs, it is going to take a supreme effort from not only the established veterans but all the newcomers as well. Here are the 23 guys we consider the most important to the success of this team.

1 - EDG T.J. Watt

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

So goes Watt, so goes the entire Steelers defense.

2 - QB Kenny Pickett

Nfl Cincinnati Bengals At Pittsburgh Steelers Nov 20 0085

Pittsburgh has handed the offense over to Pickett and is counting on him to play clean and be a leader.

3 - S Minkah Fitzpatrick

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Top safety in the NFL and the ballhawk of the secondary.

4 - RB Najee Harris

Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers offense will literally run through Harris this season.

5 - DT Cam Heyward

(Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)

It doesn’t matter how old he gets, Cam Heyward is the man on the defensive line and the emotional leader of the defense.

6 - WR Diontae Johnson

Diontae Johnson is the best pass catcher on the team and the guy Pickett will turn to when he needs a catch.

7 - G Isaac Seumalo

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Isaac Seumalo is the big free-agent addition on the offensive line and solidifies the interior to power the run game.

8 - CB Patrick Peterson

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The big addition on defense, Patrick Peterson will be a mentor as well as the team’s top cornerback.

9 - G James Daniels

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Still the team’s best offensive lineman and an excellent pass protector on the inside.

10 - LB Cole Holcomb

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

11 - K Chris Boswell

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

There isn’t a better scoring threat on the team than kicker Chris Boswell as he remains one of the top kickers in the NFL.

12 - OT Broderick Jones

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie left tackle who will be protecting Pickett’s blindside very soon.

13 - EDGE Alex Highsmith

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Alex Highsmith had a career season in 2022 and is still getting better.

14 - FB/TE Connor Heyward

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Connor Heyward will be the Steelers secret weapon on offense this season.

15 - CB Joey Porter Jr.

Pittsburgh drafted Joey Porter Jr. as the future No. 1 cornerback but he will be playing a big role this season.

16 - C Mason Cole

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Mason Cole doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his all-around game and his connection with Pickett.

17 - TE Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) celebrates a reception during a NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)

Freiermuth has the skill set to be an elite NFL tight end but we worry he’ll get lost in the shuffle.

18 - WR George Pickens

(Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

George Pickens has all the potential to be a top big-play weapon and is the guy who can stretch this offense down the field.

19 - OT Chuks Okorafor

Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers

A returning starter at right tackle and a solid contributor who needs to step up.

20 -DT Keeanu Benton

Big, physical rookie nose tackle who will add an edge to the defensive line.

21 - DE DeMarvin Leal

(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Sleeper defender who could have a breakout season as a big, strong pass-rushing defensive end.

22 - CB Chandon Sullivan

(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The team’s new slot cornerback has impressed early.

23 - P Pressley Harvin III

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Time is running out for Pressley Harvin III to build consistency in his punting game.

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