Steelers’ Maurkice Pouncey narrowly misses out on NFL Network’s Top 100

The Steelers had a decent showing when it came to NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2020, landing three defensive stars on the annual list. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward was ranked 84th, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick 35th, and outside linebacker T.J. Watt 25th.

The “Top 100” carries much more weight than average power rankings, as it’s put together completely by NFL players. Having actually lined up next to those on the list, NFL players have the most credible opinions when it comes to such rankings. The list garners attention from players and fans alike as it shows who has gained the most respect among their peers.

The reveal of the list was separated into hour-long segments, with the first being shown on Sunday night and the last on Wednesday night. Along with the Top 10 being revealed on Wednesday night, the Top 10 players who missed the list were included as well.

Steelers’ veteran center Maurkice Pouncey was among those players, ranking 102nd, just behind Patriots’ wide receiver Julian Edelman at the 101st spot.

The top 10 who missed the cut were:

110: Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars RB

109: DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys DE

108: Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos S

107: Matthew Judon, Baltimore Ravens OLB

106: Kyle Van Noy, New England Patriots LB

105: Rodney Hudson, Las Vegas Raiders C

104: Arik Armstead, San Francisco 49ers DE

103: Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans S

102: Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers C

101: Julian Edelman, New England Patriots WR

You can view the NFL’s video on the “Players who just missed the cut on the ‘Top 100 Players of 2020’” HERE.

Maurkice Pouncey made the Pro Bowl in 2019, but had a disappointing season overall. He played in and started 13 games, but had some blocking issues and botched snaps, leading to many deeming him overrated. Despite his below-average season, Pouncey has enjoyed a spectacular career in Pittsburgh, which might have been a factor in his Pro Bowl and Top 100 nominations this season.

In a league with 32 teams of talented 53-man rosters, being voted as the 102nd best player in the NFL is still quite the honor.

You can view the full Top 100 list in the following increments: 100-71, 70-41, 40-11, and 10-1.