Pro Football Focus released their annual Top 101 Players from the 2016 NFL Season list. The Steelers of course had plenty of players on that list. Their presence was increased as well, having 5 players listed this year compared to 3 in last years list.

2 of these 5 players return from last years list, 3 make their debut, while 1 notable player is absent after making the list last year.

21. Antonio Brown

2015 ranking: 2

Antonio Brown is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. Even with his quarterback had a down year and the lack of a true #2 receiver he was still able to post dominant numbers. Yes his stats may be down from prior years, but that contributes more to the situation around him, not his individual play.

27. Le’Veon Bell

 2015 ranking: n/a

Le’Veon Bell was left off of last years list because most of his season was lost due to injury. This year he stayed healthy and dominated like we all knew he could. His ranking is almost surprising because multiple times throughout the season Bell played like he was the best player of the league. If not for starting the season suspended and needing a few games to get back into his groove, he easily could’ve been ranked top 10, maybe top 5.

36. Ramon Foster

2015 ranking: n/a

Ramon Foster being ranked so high really shocked me. Not because I don’t think he’s undeserving, but because myself and all of Steelers nation is accustomed to Foster being underrated. What’s also astounding is how the best season of his career came at 31 years old. Many thought Foster wouldn’t even be resigned last season! Foster is a leader and cornerstone for this offensive line and it’s about time he gets the credit he deserves.

67. James Harrison

2015 ranking: 92

Most people expected 2016 to be the year Bud Dupree took over as the Steelers best pass rusher. James Harrison had other plans. He may be 38 years old, but Harrison remains one of the best outside linebackers in the league. He even took over the starting job part way through the season and showed no signs of slowing down. Harrison is expected to be resigned next season and we all know he will continue to be a force.

80. David DeCastro

2015 ranking: n/a

David DeCastro is another player who doesn’t get all the credit he deserves. He’s improving each season and gradually becoming one of the best guards in the league. He played a huge role in the Steelers dominant run game, frequently opening holes for both Bell and DeAngelo Williams. Last season the Steelers locked up DeCastro with a 5 year contract and I look forward to seeing him crush people at the line of scrimmage for years to come.

Who didn’t make the list?

There is only one player on the Steelers roster who made last years list yet failed to make this years…

Ben Roethlisberger

2016 ranking: n/a | 2015 ranking: 25 | 2014 ranking: 36

Ben Roethlisberger’s absence on the list is notable, but not entirely surprising. While we all still love and support our quarterback he admittedly had a down year. We all know Ben is capable of playing like one of the best quarterback’s. I have confidence in Ben that he can turn things around and come back next season better than ever.