Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen achieved a significant milestone by securing the No. 75 position on the NFL Top 100 list for 2025, reflecting his impressive performance during the 2024 season. This ranking highlights the impact Queen made after joining the Steelers from the Baltimore Ravens before the start of the year.
Queen’s Transition to Pittsburgh and Outstanding 2024 Campaign
Patrick Queen’s move to the Steelers came as a surprise, considering his four previous seasons with the Ravens. However, the change clearly benefited his career as he started all 17 games in 2024 and compiled 129 total tackles, alongside seven passes defended, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a sack. His efforts earned him a second consecutive Pro Bowl selection and marked one of the strongest defensive seasons for Pittsburgh.
With Queen leading the defense, the Steelers performed well statistically, ranking eighth in scoring defense by allowing just 20.4 points per game and sixth in rushing defense, limiting opponents to an average of 98.7 yards on the ground. Despite this strong showing, Pittsburgh’s season ended with a loss to Queen’s former team, Baltimore, in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC Wild Card Round.
Other Notable NFL Top 100 Placements for 2025
Besides Queen’s presence at No. 75, the list also included prominent defenders and offensive stars. Defensive end Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers earned the No. 78 spot, while wide receiver Tee Higgins from the Cincinnati Bengals was ranked at No. 77. Defensive tackle Vita Vea, a central figure for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense, was positioned at No. 76 following another strong season.
Vita Vea’s Consistent Impact on Tampa Bay’s Defense
Vita Vea continued to solidify his reputation as a key defensive player since joining the Buccaneers in 2018. In 2024, Vea’s performance earned him a spot in his second career Pro Bowl, thanks to 42 total tackles, seven sacks—a career best—and a pass defended across 16 games. His impact helped Tampa Bay rank fourth in the league against the run, allowing just 97.8 rushing yards per game.
Despite being one of the higher-paid defensive tackles in the NFL with an average annual salary of $17.8 million (ranked 16th at his position), Vea remains a vital component of Tampa Bay’s strategy. With the Buccaneers having won four consecutive NFC South titles, Vea represents one of the key remaining players from their 2020 Super Bowl-winning roster, positioned to help push the team back into championship contention.
The Steelers’ Defensive Prospects Going Into 2025
Patrick Queen’s successful first year in Pittsburgh sets high expectations for the upcoming season. As he grows more comfortable in his role with the Steelers, Queen is expected to continue improving, providing the defense with strong leadership. Pittsburgh aims to remain a top contender in the AFC, and Queen’s development is central to those ambitions.
The continued rise of defensive players like Queen and Vea underscores the importance of defense in building competitive NFL teams. Their individual performances not only bolster their respective squads but also generate excitement for fans anticipating the battles ahead in the 2025 season.
Complete NFL Top 100 List Highlights for 2025
The list recognises a wide array of talent across positions and teams, from receivers to defensive linemen. Highlights include:
100. Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
99. Leonard Williams, DL, Seattle Seahawks
98. Aaron Jones, RB, Minnesota Vikings
97. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
96. Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
95. Josh Sweat, OLB, Arizona Cardinals
94. Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions
93. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs
92. Jessie Bates, S, Atlanta Falcons
91. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
90. Zach Allen, DL, Denver Broncos
89. James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
88. Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB, Minnesota Vikings
87. Quinnen Williams, DT, New York Jets
86. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Washington Commanders
85. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams
84. Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots
83. Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
82. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns
81. Trent McDuffie, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
80. Rashan Gary, DE, Green Bay Packers
79. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
78. Khalil Mack, DE, Los Angeles Chargers
77. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
76. Vita Vea, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
75. Patrick Queen, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Queen and His Teams
Patrick Queen’s emergence as an elite linebacker places him among the key defensive figures to watch in the NFL. His ability to adapt quickly to a new team and maintain high-level performances during the 2024 campaign bodes well for his continued growth. As the Steelers focus on strengthening their defense and overall competitiveness in 2025, Queen’s role will be integral to their aspirations of returning to playoff prominence.
Meanwhile, Vita Vea’s steady presence remains crucial for the Buccaneers as they pursue another Super Bowl run. Both players’ rankings on the NFL Top 100 list symbolize their high regard among coaches, players, and analysts, highlighting the intensity and promise that define their careers going forward.