PFF names Steelers' T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith NFL's best edge duo in 2025
Pro Football Focus has given the Steelers defense some well-deserved respect — more specifically, OLBs T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
PFF's Zoltán Buday recently named the best duos for every position ahead of the 2025 season — with Watt and Highsmith taking the edge defenders spot:
"While Highsmith was hindered by injuries last season, he was still among the most effective pass rushers in the league when on the field. His 89.3 PFF pass-rushing grade ranked seventh among 109 edge defenders. On the other hand, Watt led the position with a 90.3 PFF run-defense grade and ranked sixth in PFF pass-rushing grade (90.1), one spot ahead of Highsmith."
Highsmith has been working with Nick Herbig so far this offseason — as Watt's contract holdout caused him to miss Steelers OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
Watt's presence is sorely missed, and whenever (if at all) a deal gets done, he will look to pick up right where he left off opposite Highsmith.
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