3 Best Players on the Steelers Under 25

To think that the Pittsburgh Steelers finished 8-8 and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the playoffs is remarkable when you consider that the likes of Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges filled in under center for injured starter Ben Roethlisberger.

That perseverance is just a testament to the depth on the rest of the roster, which, for the most part, is comprised of young players that have yet to enter their primes. To highlight the best of the bunch, let's narrow down to the very best Steelers under 25 years of age.

3. Devin Bush

Pittsburgh Steelers LB Devin Bush / Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Devin Bush gets the nod over speedy wide receiver Diontae Johnson because he was instantly an integral component on a stout Steelers defense. Pittsburgh's offense was often an afterthought last year, but the No. 10 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft started 15 games a rookie, across which he recorded 109 tackles (nine for loss), two interceptions, four passes defended and one forced fumble. The fact that he's only 21 years old is mind-boggling.

2. JuJu Smith-Schuster

Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster / Leon Bennett/Getty Images

JuJu Smith-Schuster might not hold a long-term future in Pittsburgh, but that doesn't make him unqualified for this list. At just 23 years old, the USC product is one of the best young wide receivers the NFL has to offer. He had a down year in 2019, but not many pass-catchers would flourish with Rudolph or Hodges throwing their way. Smith-Schuster is just one season removed from posting 166 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. Expect the 2017 second-round pick to return to stardom in his contract year with Big Ben running the show again.

1. Minkah Fitzpatrick

Pittsburgh Steelers CB Minkah Fitzpatrick / Joe Sargent/Getty Images

The Steelers unloaded three draft picks, including a 2020 first-rounder, to acquire safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade with the Miami Dolphins last season, and the former No. 11 overall pick quickly proved to be worth the price of admission. In 14 games with Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick compiled 57 tackles, nine pass deflections, five interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns. That ridiculous production rightfully earned him All-Pro owners. At 23 years old, the Alabama product is already one of the best defensive backs in the sport.