The Pittsburgh Steelers have been ranked 15th in ESPN’s long-term future power rankings, which evaluates NFL teams based on their three-year outlook from 2024 to 2026.
This positioning reflects the Steelers’ intriguing mix of potential and challenges as they head into the new season.
Dan Graziano highlighted key strengths for the Steelers, notably their defense anchored by T.J. Watt, who led the NFL with 19 sacks last season.
The offensive line has also been bolstered through recent drafts, and emerging offensive stars such as George Pickens, Najee Harris, and Jaylen Warren are expected to keep the team competitive regardless of who is at quarterback.
However, Louis Riddick pointed out concerns about the Steelers’ passing game, which struggled to create explosive plays in 2023, finishing 26th in the NFL for plays over 20 yards.
Despite hiring Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator and making significant changes to the offensive line with Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, as well as overhauling the quarterback room by adding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, there is still uncertainty about whether the Steelers can match the league’s top offenses.
If the Steelers can establish either Wilson or Fields as a reliable quarterback, their prospects for the coming years could significantly improve. This potential stability at the quarterback position would enhance their ability to compete at an elite level.
In summary, the Steelers have a solid foundation with key defensive players and promising offensive talents, but the effectiveness of their passing game remains a critical factor for their future success.
