In correlation with this week’s episode of the Steelers Fix podcast, Jeremy Betz and I are in the midst of a three-part series, comparing each position on the Steelers team to their divisional foes. This week, we compared the Bengals roster to the Steelers roster. If you have not yet listened, make sure you do so in the player below.

Today, I will go by position and give you my thoughts on whose roster is stronger at the respective position.

Quarterback: Browns
For clarification purposes, I believe the Steelers quarterbacks can outperform Cleveland’s in 2024, but going by ability, I still take Deshaun Watson over the pairing of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Kevin Stefanski is not a bad coach, but I am not afraid to say he is overrated. He has not done well adapting to Watson’s strengths, as his system is vastly different from what Watson is most comfortable in. In a different system, I still think we see the Watson we saw in Houston.

Running Back: Browns
Nick Chubb may not be 100% at any point this year, but when he is, he single-handedly gives the Browns a better backfield. Putting Chubb aside, I still like the combination of Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong to hold the fort down in Chubb’s absence. Even if Chubb is at 75% health this season, I will take the Browns backfield.

Wide Receiver: Browns
This one needs little explaining, as the addition of Jerry Jeudy gives the Browns a bona fide WR2 while Cedric Tillman continues to develop. With the position unknown after George Pickens in Pittsburgh, I have no choice but to give this one to the Brownies as well.

Tight End: Steelers
David Njoku is coming off a strong finish to the 2023 season, but the rest of the depth chart is hideous. I will take Pat Freiermuth over Njoku any day, and Darnell Washington is better than any other Browns tight end. Easy win for Pittsburgh.

Offensive Line: Browns
Despite all the additions to the Steelers offensive line, the Browns may have the deepest offensive line unit in the league. Jack Conklin and Tristen Wirfs are soon to hit the field again, and they already have Dawand Jones and James Hudson holding the fort on their own in the absence of the other two. The interior, led by Joel Bitonio, welcomes underrted rookie Zak Zinter, who could see starter snaps by season’s end as well.

Interior Defensive Line: Browns
Keeanu Benton has a bright future ahead, and Cameron Heyward is easily one of the best in the game, but again, depth is what gives the Browns the edge. Dalvin Tomlinson and Siaki Ika form a daunting run-stuffing duo on early downs, and Shelby Harris still provides decent twitch at age 32, as does Quinton Jefferson. They also added Michael Hall, Jr. in the draft, which further increases the fronts they can mix into their scheme.

EDGE Rusher: Steelers
T.J. Watt is significantly better than Myles Garrett, and I honestly question the seriousness of those who claim otherwise. Garrett, although one of the best at his position, has been somewhat limited when facing true double teams. Watt finds ways to disrupt plays, even when he is double or triple-teamed and can only jump up. He uses his athleticism to his advantage more effectively than about anyone. I would also take Alex Highsmith over Za’Darius Smith any day of the week.

Linebacker: Steelers
I definitely like the Steelers’ linebacking corps more, but do not sleep on this Browns unit. Jordan Hicks, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and rookie Nathaniel Watson could make a strong trio, and Mohamoud Diabate, Tony Fields II, and even Devin Bush provide solid depth behind them. Nonetheless, Queen and Company steal the show here.

Cornerback: Steelers
Here is my big surprise of this article, as I do see the Steelers cornerback unit as a slightly stronger group than the one in Cleveland. Denzel Ward is a technician in the slot, but Joey Porter, Jr. provides the same value to Pittsburgh on the perimeter. I am also not the biggest Martin Emerson fan, and the remainder of their depth is inferior to Pittsburgh’s.

Safety: Steelers
I would take either Grant Delpit or Juan Thornhill in a heartbeat over DeShon Elliott, but neither of them are in the same universe as Minkah Fitzpatrick.