The Pittsburgh Steelers have faced a challenging history with their first-round draft picks over the past decade. Among the highlights, T.J. Watt, drafted in 2017, has established himself as the franchise's best pass rusher and a cornerstone of their defense. Ryan Shazier, whose career was tragically cut short by injury after being picked in 2014, showcased elite potential. Najee Harris, taken in 2021, delivered solid performance but didn't secure a second contract. Other notable picks include Terrell Edmunds and Bud Dupree, whose tenures were marked by mixed results. Conversely, selections like Artie Burns and Devin Bush fell short of expectations, with Burns failing to secure a starting role and Bush's career marred by injury. The recent picks of Kenny Pickett and Broderick Jones remain contentious, with Pickett being labeled a reach and Jones still developing.

2024 was a challenging year for the Pittsburgh Steelers, culminating in a disappointing playoff exit and a struggle on offense despite a revamped quarterback lineup. As the team looks towards 2025, several players are poised for redemption after underwhelming performances. T.J. Watt, leading the team with 11.5 sacks, aims to elevate his game after a quiet finish to last season. Broderick Jones is set to assert himself as the starting left tackle, while Jaylen Warren, now the primary running back, seeks to significantly improve on his 511 rushing yards from 2024. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. hopes to bounce back after a less stellar year, with veteran Darius Slay joining to help guide him. Lastly, Minkah Fitzpatrick's role in the defense is under scrutiny, as he possesses the talent to make game-changing plays if utilized effectively.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing significant offseason challenges, particularly concerning their offensive line, which struggled through injuries in the 2024 season. Rookies Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick stepped up admirably, but Broderick Jones's performance raised concerns after being benched for Troy Fautanu. With Dan Moore Jr. entering free agency, a potential shift for Jones to left tackle could occur, but the team lacks depth if this doesn't pan out.

Free agency opens up possibilities, with suggestions to target established players like Ronnie Stanley of the Baltimore Ravens. Stanley's impressive track record of protecting quarterbacks makes him a valuable asset for the Steelers, especially to shield the expected starting quarterback, Justin Fields, in a potentially restructured lineup.

PFF's NFL Week 17 Team of the Week has been unveiled, showcasing standout players based on performance grades and snap counts. The selections highlight those who not only excelled in their individual performances but also demonstrated consistency over a significant number of plays. The criteria emphasize the importance of maintaining high performance levels, which is crucial in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

Leading the offensive lineup is quarterback Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals, who delivered an outstanding performance against the Denver Broncos, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards. His efforts were pivotal in keeping the Bengals' playoff hopes alive. Joining him in the offensive spotlight are notable players like Derrick Henry from the Baltimore Ravens and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers from the New York Giants, who had a remarkable game against the Indianapolis Colts.

On the defensive side, edge rusher Nolan Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles made a significant impact against the Dallas Cowboys, achieving an impressive run-defense grade. His ability to disrupt plays was complemented by strong performances from other defensive players, including Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and John Franklin-Myers of the Denver Broncos. The special teams also made their mark with standout players like kicker Cam Little from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This week's selections demonstrate the depth of talent across the league, with players rising to the occasion in critical moments as the season heads into its final stretch.

The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a tough defeat against the Baltimore Ravens, losing 34-17. Despite a solid performance from quarterback Russell Wilson, who threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns, the Steelers struggled to capitalize on opportunities and fell behind in the AFC North race.

Key moments included a fumble by Wilson that allowed the Ravens to reclaim the lead, and a late interception returned for a touchdown by the Ravens' defense. With both teams now at 10-5, the final weeks of the season will determine the division champion.