The Steelers have two of the best pass rushers in the NFL, but rarely do they get the recognition they deserve. For T.J. Watt, everyone wants to put Myles Garrett or Nick Bosa ahead of him in overall rankings, despite Watt having accomplished more. For Highsmith, people seem to forget he even exists at times, based upon how little attention is given to him from the national media.

This time, however, they are getting noticed. Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently compiled his top 20 EDGE rushers in the NFL, and both Watt and Highsmith appear on the list. T.J. Watt rightfully earned the number one spot, while Highsmith was a little lower than expected at number nineteen. Here is what Benjamin had to say about Highsmith and Watt, respectively:

19. Alex Highsmith

“Does he benefit from playing alongside T.J. Watt? Sure. He’s also been effective as a rugged pocket-pusher even when Watt hasn’t been on the field, and he’s not necessarily one-dimensional, either, totaling eight forced fumbles and 35 tackles for loss over the last three seasons.”

1. T.J. Watt

“Myles Garrett has technically been steadier over the last half decade, if only because an injury limited Watt to 10 games in 2022. In every other way, though, No. 90 on the Steelers has been the standard-setter for edge rushing, and it’s not even particularly close. Clearing 13 sacks in each of his last five healthy seasons, with close to 30 forced fumbles and 200 quarterback hits in his vaunted career, the six-time Pro Bowler is the heart of Pittsburgh’s old-school program, pairing elite get-off with jarring physicality. If he’s on the field, Watt is easily the most feared player at his position.”

I cannot really complain about these rankings, although I would personally rate Highsmith higher than 19th. I think his current value and performance is better than the likes of older pass rushers on this list, such as Cameron Jordan, Matt Judon, and Za’Darius Smith. I think one could also argue he has proven more than Will Anderson, Jr. and is still playing at a higher level than the soon-to-be second-year pro in Anderson. Putting two pass rushers from one team inside the top 15 is saying a lot, but Benjamin did it for Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, ranking them at 12 and 14, respectively. I will still argue for Highsmith to be in the top 15, but at least he was not snubbed from the list entirely.

As for Watt, what else is there to add? He is the best defensive player in football, regardless of position. Putting him anywhere other than number one on this list is purely unjust. He is on a fast track to the Hall of Fame, and nobody should be shocked if he breaks the single-season sack record before his career comes to a close. With both Watt and Highsmith, the Steelers easily have the most dominant pass-rushing tandem, and if Nick Herbig continues his upward swing, the Steelers may have yet a third dynamic pass rusher at their disposal.

Where do you think Alex Highsmith should be rated? Was 19th overall fair, or should he have been higher? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!