Steelers' Biggest Pro Bowl Snubs

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Jayson Erwin. Follow him on Twitter @JaysonErwin2002

Earlier this week, Pro Bowl participants were announced. Some big names like Patrick Mahomes, Nick Chubb, and Tyreek Hill were announced for the 2nd biggest bowl in the NFL season. Some players were also snubbed like Christian McCaffrey, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and even former Steeler Javon Hargrave! Two Steelers were selected to participate in the Bowl. The Steelers will provide the high-motor and game-wrecking T.J. Watt, and the fast and furious play style of Minkah Fitzpatrick to the AFC lineup. But who are some players on the Steelers that were snubbed from the AFC lineup? Let's list them!

*NOTE: If they're listed as alternatives, it doesn't count considering the chance they might not play*

#1: Alex Highsmith, OLB

The most popular choice among Steeler fans. Alex Highsmith has had an elite season thus far. If there were any positives out of the early season injury to Watt, it gave Highsmith a brighter spotlight with him often overshadowed by T.J. 's elite play. Alex took this opportunity and sacked it for an 11-yard loss! Highsmith has recorded 11 sacks so far, the 8th best in the league! He leads the league in forced fumbles with 5. His best game had to be week 1 in Cincinnati where he recorded 9 total tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. Or even last week, he faced the team he grew up cheering for, the Carolina Panthers, he recorded 4 total tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Highsmith has only gotten better since he was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2020 draft and rightfully deserved a pro bowl appearance.

#2: Pat Freiermuth, TE

Freiermuth has made his presence known since going from Penn State to the Steelers in the 2021 draft. Becoming a fan favorite over the years with the crowd bellowing "MUUUUUUTH" with every catch he has, reminiscing of legendary Steelers tight end, Heath Miller. If you are in the same conversation of best tight ends with the likes of Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews just being ahead of you, you know you're doing well. Despite the lowlights of the Steelers offense, Freiermuth has been the consistent playmaker and an arguably top-5 tight end in the league this year. With him getting better and a young arm in Pickett gonna be throwing to him the next few years, Freiermuth will likely be among one of the NFL's best talents as the years go by. 

#3 Cameron Heyward, DT

The 12-year veteran has been here for the best and worst times. He's been good, even when the Steelers have been bad. This year is no different. 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery on the year. 7th in sacks among DTs, 8th in tackles among DTs. One of the best linemen in the league. 

#4 Derek Watt, FB

It's hard to dictate how a fullback is good or not but you can't deny when Watt gets his number called, he delivers. He even has a receiving touchdown to his name. Only 5 other fullbacks can say they've done that. One of those fullbacks is not Patrick Ricard, the fullback selected for the AFC Pro Bowl roster. Plus, Watt's PFF grade is higher, too! And Watt has more rushing yards than him. I don't care if it's by 1 yard and 1 less carry. STATS ARE STATS!