The success of the Pittsburgh Steelers under head coach Mike Tomlin has been largely predicated on elite defenses, and these days are no different.
The Steelers ranked eighth in points allowed in 2024, and are primed for another top-tier NFL defense. As valuable as scheme and play calling are to defense, a great defense also requires great players, and the Steelers have quite a few locked in the chamber.
Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano ranked each NFL team's top defensive triplets for 2025. Marzano's triplets are comprised of each team's best pass rusher, linebacker and secondary player.
Manzano's triplet for the Steelers are T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, which was ranked No. 5 on Marzano's list.
"Like last year, the Steelers are ranked fifth with this same trio." Manzano wrote. "Queen quickly found his footing in Pittsburgh, recording 129 total tackles. Watt had another dominant season with 11.5 sacks, and Fitzpatrick made the Pro Bowl for the fifth time."
Fitzpatrick has played six season for Pittsburgh after starting his career in Miami. Last season, Fitzpatrick intercepted one pass, broke up four, and forced a fumble while tallying 96 tackles. With five Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pro under his belt, Fitzpatrick has been one of the NFL's elite safeties in his career.
Queen has played his entire NFL career in the AFC North. His first four seasons came in Baltimore, including his first Pro Bowl in 2023. In 2024, he came over to Pittsburgh, and wasted no time fitting in. Six of his 129 tackles were for loss, including five quarterback hits and a sack. Queen also broke up a career-high seven passes, making his second Pro Bowl appearance.
T.J. Watt has already solidified himself as one of the greatest Steelers to ever don the uniform. Watt has led the league in sacks thrice, and has a war chest of accolades. Highlighted by being named the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt has been named to seven Pro Bowls and four First-Team All Pros.
In 2024, Watt showed no signs of slowing down, tallying 61 tackles, 19 for loss, 11.5 sacks, 27 quarterback hits, four pass breakups, and an NFL-leading six forced fumbles.