ESPN poll shows Steelers' All-Pro may be on the decline
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense goes as their front five does. Whether it be the nose tackle, five-technique, or edge defender, everything starts and stops with those guys. But according to some recent rankings from NFL personnel, one Steelers All-Pro may be in the twilight of his dominance: DT Cam Heyward In his annual rankings, ESPN's Jeremey […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense goes as their front five does.
Whether it be the nose tackle, five-technique, or edge defender, everything starts and stops with those guys.
But according to some recent rankings from NFL personnel, one Steelers All-Pro may be in the twilight of his dominance:
DT Cam Heyward
In his annual rankings, ESPN's Jeremey Fowler surveys NFL coaches, executives, and evaluators to place the league's top 10 players in order of their positional counterparts.
When it came to defensive tackles, Cam Heyward came in ninth overall, falling four spots from his 2022 ranking and six spots from his highest ever. But while some NFL personnel are staging a decline, one NFL scout acknowledged Heyward's perpetual dominance:
"An instinctive pass-rusher, has great strength — still one of the better power rushers," a veteran NFL scout told Fowler. "We thought he was starting to decline last year, which is to be expected given his age."
Yet, despite missing T.J. Watt for seven games and playing in his age-33 season, Heyward amassed 10.5 sacks, his highest total in the last six years. So while the recently turned 34-year-old may be falling in the league's ranking of defensive tackles, Heyward is quietly rising in his candidacy for Canton.
Don't be surprised if the three-time All-Pro has a few more tricks up his sleeve.
For Fowler's full set of rankings, click here
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