Steelers' Superstar Listed As #1 Most Underappreciated Player On Team

Despite all the love that the Pittsburgh Steelers have been getting from numerous media outlets recently, there are still some players that might not get enough. CBS Sports made a list of every AFC teams' most underappreciated player. Their pick for the Steelers is a surprising one, as the player in question is arguably the best player at his position currently. Either way, giving him some more love is never a bad thing, and in 2023, he will continue to prove to everyone that he is undoubtedly the best safety in the NFL. 

CBS Sports thinks that Minkah Fitzpatrick is the most underappreciated player for the Steelers. Everyone already knows about the trade with the Miami Dolphins and the immediate impact he has, but what everyone might not know is that he has kept making that same impact in every season with the Steelers. There are many reasons why Omar Khan did not hesitate to give him the biggest contract for a safety (at the time, of course). 

"We rave about Derwin James and Justin Simmons and Jessie Bates, but this guy should probably lead every conversation about top safeties... Fitzpatrick has been an absolute ball-hawking machine since arriving in Pittsburgh, with 17 picks and 38 pass breakups in just under four full seasons."

Fitzpatrick is the kind of player that can ruin a gameplan by his mere appearance on the field. The only reason he doesn't have more interceptions is because of the opponents' being unwilling to throw in his direction, although that could change a bit soon. With Derwin James being often injured and Jessie Bates occasionally showing inconsistencies, Justin Simmons is the only safety that's in the conversation with Fitzpatrick for best safety in football. 

Fitzpatrick shines as an elite coverage player, but that's not all that he does on the field. Even when the run defense was abysmal back in 2021, Fitzpatrick helped out by playing in somewhat of a linebacker role for the Steelers to help keep opposing runners from not getting too much running room. Fitzpatrick regularly proves himself as a do-it-all safety that runs all over the field and does whatever is needed defensively to help the Steelers win.

What Other Steelers Are Underappreciated?

CBS Sports also listed Pat Freiermuth and Cameron Heyward as players that are underappreciated. While Kenny Pickett has been mainly developing chemistry with George Pickens, he still uses Freiermuth as a safety valve over the middle. He doesn't always make the flashy splash plays like Travis Kelce would, but he is still a reliable threat at tight end, including showing resemblances of a little Vance McDonald as well. 

Even with Darnell Washington being drafted by the Steelers, Freiermuth will look to continue developing with Pickett and keep being the hot target when Pickett needs to get rid of the ball quickly. A great example was when Pickett got bodied by Quinnen Williams in Week 4 last season and still hit Freiermuth to set up a touchdown. No matter who comes in and adds to the tight end bromance with Freiermuth and Zach Gentry, he will still be a part of the offense in any way possible. 

Heyward is also looking to prove to everyone that he deserves more appreciation. Even if Heyward has some struggles, he is still part of an elite pass rush that can make up for his shortcomings, and then some. While he is aging, he still has plenty of value to the Steelers. His value isn't just on the field as an interior defensive lineman, but as a leader and a captain for the team. 

The seven-time defensive captain for the Steelers will still be able to help mentor some of the younger defensive linemen, like Keeanu Benton. He can help bring plenty of pressure on the field, then help coach up and motivate his teammates on the sidelines. It doesn't matter what Heyward is doing or how much playing time he gets. He will force himself to find some way to make the Steelers better. 

What do you think about the underappreciation of some Steelers players? Do you agree with CBS Sports? Let us know down in the comments.

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