Pro Football Network just dropped their Top 100 players list for 2026, and while a couple of names were no-brainers, two Steelers picks are going to absolutely shock people, especially after last season. This isn't your usual popularity contest either, PFN used a specialized formula called their Impact Score, so these rankings feel pretty objective and reveal some deep truths about who's really making a difference.
Joey Porter Jr.'s Contract Saga and the Unsung Heroes
First up, and highest on the list, is cornerback Joey Porter Jr. coming in at No. 33. Seriously, that's wild! He's the third-highest ranked cornerback out there, trailing only Derek Stingley Jr. and Pat Surtain II. It's no secret Porter's been waiting on a massive contract extension, and if this objective metric tells us anything, it's that he should absolutely be paid like one of the NFL's elite corners. The dude's clearly earned it, and PFN's formula just screams it. Then you've got your mainstays, guys you expect to see. EDGE T.J. Watt landed at No. 42 and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward at No. 49. Yeah, these guys always show up on these lists, and while they both had down seasons in 2025, PFN clearly sees them poised for a huge rebound in 2026, especially with new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham in the building. Get ready for these veterans to remind everyone why they're still among the best.The Big Surprise and What It Means for 2026
But let's talk about the real jaw-dropper: center Zach Frazier at No. 75. Are you kidding me? The only center ranked higher than Frazier on this entire list is Creed Humphrey. That's it! This ranking perfectly illustrates just how unbelievably well Frazier played last season, even if it felt like the rest of the league wasn't paying nearly enough attention. Think about that for a second. Frazier quietly put in work that puts him almost at the very top of his position group, by a metric that focuses purely on impact. This isn't just a feel-good story; it tells us the Steelers' offensive line, with Frazier at its core, might be way stronger than anyone outside the locker room realized. For the 2026 season, having an interior lineman ranked this high by an objective measure changes everything about how we should view the offense's potential. If Frazier can keep this up, he's a foundational piece, plain and simple. What does all this mean for the upcoming season? It means the Steelers have some serious talent, with key players not just known names, but objectively impactful. Porter's contract situation is massive, Heyward and Watt are ready to prove 2025 was a blip, and Frazier? He's the dark horse, the guy who's going to surprise everyone who wasn't watching close enough. The 2026 season is gonna be all about these guys hitting the field and showing PFN's formula was dead on. Get ready.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.