Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the Pittsburgh Steelers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Player: OT Chukwuma Okorafor
Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2024 season

After the Steelers traded up in the first round to pick tackle Broderick Jones, it stands to reason that at some point either Okorafor or left tackle Dan Moore Jr. will be the odd man out. Both are set to hit free agency after the 2024 season, though Okorafor's 2024 cap hit is significantly larger than Moore's in the final year of his rookie deal. Depending on how the offensive line shakes out throughout the season, the Steelers could extend Okorafor in the spring to decrease his 2024 cap hit ($11.8 million), or they could part ways with him because he carries a dead cap hit of $3 million. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 17

Pittsburgh's defense just rescued the team from an 0-2 start at home. But watching the passing game just labor for such long stretches, it makes you wonder why the timing is so off. Is it all on Kenny Pickett? Not sure, but he clearly misfired on passes where there were plays to be made. The touchdown to George Pickens is why I can't completely quit Pickett. He's tough and competitive, and I'm not sure how he stayed in the game after the hit he took on that throw. Yet, it's still not good enough. The Steelers are going to have to find a way to showcase Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris a bit more. And while we're at it, is Pat Freiermuth still on the roster?

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

That was an enormous victory Monday night over the Browns. They were staring 0-2 in the face. The defense came up big.

USA Today -- Rank: 13

Can't bank on two defensive touchdowns every week, but they seem to be back on solid footing given the rest of the AFC North is dealing with injury issues as serious as Pittsburgh's.

The Athletic -- Rank: 18

Outside linebacker T.J. Watt became Pittsburgh's all-time sacks leader (81 1/2) on Monday night. "But I thought we were talking scoring?" you say. Well, Watt also scored his first career touchdown against the Browns (on a fumble return), so he counts. In fact, the Steelers' outside linebackers have scored more touchdowns this season (two) than any other position group. Quarterback Kenny Pickett and company have a lot of work to do.

FOX -- Rank: 21

Everyone knows T.J. Watt, but are we giving Alex Highsmith enough credit for forming the other side of a top-tier edge rushing duo? Highsmith signed a major contract over the summer, but his forced fumble and pick-six on Monday night are going to do far more to vault him into the public consciousness. The Steelers are going to need Highsmith and Watt to keep doing their thing while the offense continues to find itself.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 15

Alex Highsmith was great on Monday night. He had a pick 6 early and a strip sack that led to the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Highsmith is overshadowed by T.J. Watt on Pittsburgh's defense, but he's a heck of a player.

PFT -- Rank: 12

Here's the easiest fix to a beleaguered offense — throw it to George Pickens.

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