Is quarterback Aaron Rodgers the most important player on the 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers roster? Most teams slot the quarterback into the top spot, but the Steelers have had recent years where someone else, like T.J. Watt, ranked higher. Former players Trai Essex and Charlie Batch offered their own top five. Each had a unique perspective.<\/p>\n
Essex placed CB Joey Porter Jr. fifth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know he\u2019s the man,\u201d Essex said on their BigPlay Pittsburgh podcast.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n For the first time, Porter is Pittsburgh\u2019s clear No. 1 cornerback. Last year, Jalen Ramsey held that rank, but his struggles and midseason switch to safety changed the calculation. Porter had his best year yet and will aim to cash in on a big-money contract extension before the regular season kicks off. Once it does, he\u2019ll be tasked with slowing down Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja\u2019Marr Chase and a Week One test against the Atlanta Falcons\u2019 Drake London.<\/p>\n Essex slotted two more defenders next: Watt fourth and ILB Patrick Queen third. The need for Watt to bounce back is obvious enough. Essex made the case for placing Queen so highly.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need the green dot to be consistent this year,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need him to put his face in the fan and really be that Steelers linebacker we\u2019ve been craving and wanting from that position the last three years.\u201d<\/p>\n