Four players from the Pittsburgh Steelers have been selected for Pro Football Focus’ First-Quarter All-Pro Team, as highlighted by Gordon McGuinness. This is the highest representation from any team in the NFL.
The only offensive player recognized is right guard James Daniels, noted for his strong run-blocking this season. McGuinness commented, “Daniels has been ruled out for the season due to a torn Achilles, which is a major setback given his performance in 2024. His 92.5 run-blocking grade was the highest among guards and only trailed McCoy and Humphrey across the entire offensive line.” Daniels suffered the injury in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts and was placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his season. He started all four games prior, allowing only one sack on five pressures without any penalties over 209 snaps.
On the defensive side, edge rusher T.J. Watt was the first Steelers player to be named. He has recorded three sacks, seven quarterback hits, and 12 tackles this season. “While Watt has only 10 total pressures, the stats don’t capture his full impact,” McGuinness noted. “He has a PFF grade of 91.5, second only to Hutchinson among edge defenders. By Week 4, he had been chipped more than any other player in his position.” Just half a sack away from reaching 100 career sacks, Watt could become the second-fastest player in NFL history to achieve this milestone in his next four games.
Next is defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, who recently signed a three-year, $45 million extension. “At nearly 36, Heyward continues to excel for the Steelers,” McGuinness wrote. “His 15 total pressures rank sixth among interior defenders, and he boasts the best run-defense grade at 85.3.” The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro has two sacks and 17 tackles this season.
Lastly, safety DeShon Elliott received recognition for his solid run defense and overall reliability. McGuinness observed, “It’s a tight race for the second safety position, and while Julian Love of the Seahawks and Brandon Jones of the Broncos surpass Elliott in PFF grade, the Steelers safety has shown greater consistency week-to-week, leading all safeties with a 91.3 run-defense grade.” After signing a two-year, $6 million contract with Pittsburgh, Elliott has made 30 tackles and secured an interception this season.
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