Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt drops in ESPN 2026 player rankings

Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt fell 54 spots to No. 65 in ESPN's latest projections for the 2026 NFL season. The decline follows a 2025 campaign marred by a partially collapsed lung sustained during dry needling treatment. Watt led the NFL with 19 sacks in 2023 but experienced a dip in performance during the most recent season. Entering his 10th year in the league, the defender intends to adjust his play style within the system implemented by Graham. While Watt historically focused on rushing from the left side, he plans to move across the defensive line more frequently in the upcoming season. Offenses previously developed strategies to neutralize his standard approach, prompting the shift in his usage.

• 4:01 PMYahoo Sports — Steelers' T.J. Watt takes massive fall in ESPN’s 2026 player rankings