Defensive standouts Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig are making waves in the Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker corps, demonstrating skill and versatility that could reshape the team's defensive strategy. Highsmith, a third-round pick in 2020, has consistently improved his game, becoming a crucial element in the Steelers' pass rush. Meanwhile, rookie Nick Herbig has shown great potential, adapting quickly to the league and impressing coaches with his athleticism and awareness on the field.

The duo's performance during pre-season has raised questions about the Steelers' starting linebacker lineup, particularly as they look to complement star T.J. Watt. As both players continue to develop, their chemistry and ability to read plays could be pivotal in the Steelers’ defensive schemes, making them valuable assets for fantasy players looking for emerging stars in the league.

Alex Highsmith, a veteran pass rusher for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has addressed the ongoing rumors surrounding Aaron Rodgers and his potential decision regarding the 2025 season. Highsmith emphasized that the Steelers are not focused on Rodgers' situation, indicating a strong team mentality as they prepare for their own upcoming games. His comments reflect a broader commitment to team goals rather than getting sidetracked by external narratives that could distract the squad.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense is seeing positive recognition, particularly their defensive line, which Pro Football Focus recently touted as the best in the league. This accolade highlights the effectiveness of veterans like Cam Heyward and emerging talents like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Despite the team's offensive struggles in 2024, the defensive unit has maintained a high level of performance, primarily due to their formidable line anchored by proven players. This suggests that the Steelers' investment in defense is paying dividends, making them a competitive force even amidst ongoing transitions on offense.

As excitement builds ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, attention is drawn back to the remarkable performances of 2020 draft class stars. Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals has solidified his status as a top-tier quarterback, boasting a 94.8 PFF grade and leading the Bengals to sustained success, including a Super Bowl appearance. In the running back department, A.J. Dillon, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, stands out with a 91.1 PFF grade despite injury setbacks. Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings continues to impress, being the highest-graded receiver with an exceptional 93.5 PFF grade.

Defensively, talents like Derrick Brown of the Carolina Panthers and Alex Highsmith of the Pittsburgh Steelers have made significant impacts, showcasing their skills with impressive PFF rankings. Brown's 84.3 grade and Highsmith's impressive edge rushing abilities underline the strength of the 2020 linebacker and defensive line classes. With elite performances across positions, the 2020 draft class is proof of the NFL's ability to cultivate homegrown talent.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been ranked 12th by The Athletic for their draft performance over the past five years, reflecting a period of inconsistency in talent acquisition. During this span, the Steelers managed to draft only one Pro Bowl player, running back Najee Harris, who has since joined the Los Angeles Chargers. The Athletic highlighted edge rusher Alex Highsmith as their top pick from this timeframe, while others pointed to tight end Pat Freiermuth as the best overall selection, with Highsmith being a strong value pick. Looking ahead, there's optimism around the 2024 draft class, particularly with offensive tackle Troy Fautanu's return from injury, which could bolster their offensive line significantly.