Here’s Where Steelers Rank In ESPN’s Updated Power Rankings

The Pittsburgh Steelers are viewed as a middle-of-the-league squad by analysts around the league.

ESPN released the updated version of their NFL power rankings on Monday for the first time since the NFL Draft. While the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and division rival Baltimore Ravens unsurprisingly rank at the top of the rankings, it’s the Steelers that find themselves at the midpoint of the 32 NFL teams.

Pittsburgh ranked 16th on the list, falling one spot from the last time they posted the power rankings. After finishing 10-7 and losing in the AFC Wild Card Round a year ago to the Buffalo Bills, this is about as expected for the Steelers. They’re looking to make it back to the playoffs while competing in a difficult AFC North division with the likes of the Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns.

As part of the list, NFL Nation reporters also named a coach, player, or executive who is on the hot seat this upcoming season. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor named wide receiver George Pickens as the player on the hot seat for Pittsburgh.

“The trading of Diontae Johnson in the offseason put Pickens, the 2022 second-round pick, firmly in the top receiver slot, but with that comes more responsibility and pressure — especially ahead of an offseason when he becomes eligible for a contract extension,” Pryor wrote on the updated ESPN NFL power rankings. “Games like last year’s two-touchdown, 195-yard performance against the Bengals show Pickens is capable of carrying an offense, but he’s also temperamental and prone to sideline outbursts when things aren’t going his way. Pickens’ ability to grow and mature will largely dictate the success of the Steelers’ passing game — and his ability to land a lucrative extension in 2025.”

With Johnson no longer with the team, no Brandon Aiyuk deal to speak of, and an unproven No. 2 receiver on the team, this is Pickens’ year to deliver. If he can stand out as a true No. 1 wideout, then the Steelers may find themselves much higher in the next version of the power rankings as well.

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