3 players who will have the biggest impact on the Steelers' season

Each week, theScore will go division by division, highlighting which three players' performance will most impact their team's season in 2017.

Martavis Bryant

Without Bryant, the Steelers came one win from reaching the Super Bowl. Should Pittsburgh clear the final hurdle in 2017, the electric wide receiver could be the difference.

In limited starts his first two years in the league, Bryant showcased a knack for finding the end zone by scoring 14 touchdowns. He was suspended for the entire 2016 season, disappointing Steeler Nation and forcing the club to dream about what could have been.

With Bryant in the lineup, the Steelers would possess an outlandish array of weapons at the receiver position. It just may be enough to win the entire AFC.

Le'Veon Bell

After playing without Bell for the majority of the 2015 season, the Steelers enjoyed the spoils of life with the superstar running back in 2016.

Bell proved to be a dual threat, muscling out 1,268 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground and adding 75 receptions from out of the backfield. As a result, Pittsburgh made it a step further in 2016 than they did the year before, reaching the AFC title game.

However, Bell lasted just six carries before succumbing to a groin injury in the conference championship, and the Steelers were handed a 36-17 defeat without him. Pittsburgh needs its full complement of talent healthy and on the field in order to realize its full potential.

Artie Burns

The Steelers used their 2016 first-round pick on Burns, hoping he would develop into a starting corner. He started the final nine games of last season and will begin this year at left corner.

With a high-powered offense, Pittsburgh needs only for the defense to keep pace and provide a few stops. While the Steelers take aim at a championship, they're also replenishing their secondary with youthful talent.

Burns, Senquez Golson, and Ross Cockrell have been tabbed to inherit the defensive backfield. The succession plan will begin in earnest in 2017.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

Also from this series

• 3 players who will have the biggest impact on the Browns' season
• 3 players who will have the biggest impact on the Ravens' season
• 3 players who will have the biggest impact on the Bengals' season