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PFF Grades Top Ten Steelers Preseason Performances

With the preseason’s return, so are Pro Football Focus’ grades. Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 31-25 win Saturday night over the Jacksonville Jaguars, PFF graded the five best Steelers on each side of the ball.

Offense and defense combined, here’s the top 10.

**1.** CB Cameron McCutcheon – 93.4

**2.** WR Scotty Miller – 88.4

**3.** S Juan Thornhill – 88.2

**4.** TE Darnell Washington – 84.4

**5.** DL Yahya Black – 82.3

**6.** ILB Malik Harrison – 81.6

**7.** WR Ke’Shawn Williams – 78.6

**8.** QB Mason Rudolph – 78.6

**9.** RB Lew Nichols – 78.0

**10.** CB Brandin Echols – 77.9

McCutcheon was easily the highest-graded Steeler, though his night was [soured by a hamstring injury](https://steelersdepot.com/2025/08/injury-roundup-steelers-suffer-one-injury-in-preseason-opener/) that caused him to leave early. He had an interception called back on a roughing-the-passer call, though it was still a strong play by McCutcheon to high point and take the football away.

A big and long corner with 33-inch arms, McCutcheon has received plenty of reps throughout the summer and replaced Brandin Echols after he was rested for the rest of the night. His injury could derail a nice camp but if McCutcheon can soon get healthy, he’ll have a good chance of making the Steelers’ practice squad.

Miller had a solid if not spectacular night, finishing with four catches for 47 yards. That carries over a consistent training camp as he battles Robert Woods and a slew of rookies for the No. 5 WR spot on the Steelers’ roster. Thornhill had one of the plays of the night [with a hard hit over the middle](https://twitter.com/Steelersdepot/status/1954320511036780629) to break up a pass on the Jaguars’ first drive.

Washington got Pittsburgh on the board with a 19-yard touchdown, showcasing soft hands and red-zone ability. Black didn’t play many snaps but impressed in his one-on-one battles, outshining rookie DL Derrick Harmon.

Williams finished with two receptions for 55 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown to seal the win. Rudolph led a strong first drive, completing all seven passes for 70 yards and the score to Washington. Nichols ran hard in the second half while Echols had a tackle for loss on a screen and tipped away a third-down throw.

Curiously, QB Skylar Thompson didn’t crack the top 10. He threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. He received just a 69.4 grade, 28th entering Sunday. His pure passing grade ranked 23rd and he was dinged for his red-zone fumble even though Pittsburgh recovered the ball.

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk and TE JJ Galbreath were among the team’s lowest-graded players.

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