The Pittsburgh Steelers are set and ready for the 2021 NFL season, as their first game is on Sunday. This franchise consistently makes a playoff appearance, as Mike Tomlin is one of the best head coaches in the league. However, it'll be a difficult task this season, as the AFC North is incredibly competitive.

Pittsburgh hopes to have one of the best defenses yet again, as they have the talent to slow down any opponent. For that reason, the Steelers should be able to be competitive throughout the season. The only glaring weakness on the roster is the offensive line. However, the Steelers have the weapons around Ben Roethlisberger to be a problem all year.

They have a solid tight end group, but a rookie could turn into Roethlisberger's favorite red-zone target. TJ Watt is in a contract dispute, but he should play this year. Meanwhile, Najee Harris will be a focal point of the Steelers' offense and Diontae Johnson could be in line for a huge year. With that said, here are four bold predictions for the Steelers 2021 NFL season.

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4. Pat Freiermuth is the best tight end on the roster

In regards to the tight end position, Kyle Pitts took all of the hype in the 2021 NFL Draft this year. Even so, Pat Freiermuth has all of the potential to be a superstar in the NFL. He's excellent in the passing game and is already a decent blocker as well. We saw Roethlisberger target Freiermuth often in the preseason, which should translate over to the regular season.

Eric Ebron holds the starting position for now. However, Pat Freiermuth is right behind him. Ebron struggled last season and with Freiermuth looking great so far, Pittsburgh could have a new starting tight end sooner, rather than later. Look for the Steelers to slowly work Freiermuth into the starting lineup as he could make an immediate impact.

3. TJ Watt plays all 17 games

He's in the middle of a contract dispute with the front office. However, there has been some good news recently. Mike Tomlin seems confident that TJ Watt will be available in their Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. We'll see how it plays out, but Watt should be signing a deal relatively soon.

It is worrisome the front office signed Melvin Ingram, who serves as solid insurance in case a deal with TJ Watt doesn't get done. However, if Watt agrees and ends up playing, the Steelers have a dangerous rotation of pass rushers. Keep an eye on the Steelers and Watt, as news could break at any moment.

With Watt in the lineup, the Steelers have an elite pass rush. Opposing offenses have to prioritize him, which creates opportunities for his teammates. Alex Highsmith is in for a big season, especially if Watt plays all 17 games.

2. Najee Harris finishes as a top 12 running back

The Steelers' first selection of the 2021 NFL Draft, Najee Harris aims to take the league by storm. He has been an efficient running back throughout his college career, which should translate to the NFL nicely. Pittsburgh had the worst rushing offense last year and could have one of the best with Najee Harris in the backfield.

This offense is going to be good, however, the offensive line is a major concern. There is reason to believe that Harris struggles at first, as he may not receive the best running lanes from the Steelers' poor offensive line. Once he's comfortable though, we should be seeing Harris make big plays for the Steelers throughout the season.

For this reason, Harris should be in contention for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Steelers' offensive line must improve for that to happen, but the stars are aligning for Pittsburgh to have a vastly improved run game. This is exactly what the team needs if they hope to make another playoff appearance in 2021.

1. Diontae Johnson separates himself as the Steelers top wide receiver

Between Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Juju Smith-Schuster, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a fantastic wide receiver trio. They each have the potential to serve as Roethlisberger's top target. However, Johnson might become the early favorite. He was targeted often last year and could've been a bigger factor if it weren't for the drops. Even so, Diontae Johnson has shown improvement in his catching abilities this offseason.

Smith-Schuster seems to be more of a route runner, while Claypool is a deep play threat. Diontae Johnson is capable of playing both of those roles. He's a quick wide receiver who should get open often. He plays well underneath and plays big when going deep. Due to Big Ben losing throwing power in his age, we could see Johnson be targeted frequently on short to intermediate routes.