Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey ranked No. 82 [1] on the NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2026 list.
This ranking is significant because it marks the first time a Pittsburgh Steeler has appeared on the annual list [2]. While the franchise has a long history of defensive dominance, this peer-voted recognition highlights Ramsey's specific impact on the league's current landscape.
The NFL Network revealed the list earlier this month [3]. The rankings are determined by votes cast by NFL players themselves, who evaluate their peers based on performance and skill over the previous season [4].
Ramsey, a cornerback, landed the 82nd spot [1] in a process that identifies the elite talent across all 32 teams. The inclusion of a Steelers player for the first time in the history of the Top 100 rollout suggests a shift in how current players perceive the team's defensive core, or specifically Ramsey's individual contributions, relative to the rest of the league.
Because the list is a product of player polls, the ranking serves as a barometer for respect among professionals. For the Steelers, having a representative on the list provides a rare form of external validation from opposing players and teammates alike [2].
“Jalen Ramsey ranked No. 82 on the NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2026 list.”
The inclusion of Jalen Ramsey on the Top 100 list is a milestone for the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. Despite the team's reputation for producing Hall of Fame defenders, the absence of any Steeler on this specific list until 2026 underscores the unique nature of the NFL Network's player-voted format. It indicates that Ramsey's individual brand and performance are currently viewed as top-tier by his peers, regardless of the team's overall historical standing.
