Cam Heyward ranked second-best player in NFL

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Entering year 15, Heyward looks to continue his dominance.

2024 was a career year for Pittsburgh Steelers standout defensive lineman Cam Heyward, as he totaled eight sacks and was named an all-pro for the first time since the 2021 season. Even at the age of 35, Heyward dominated and was a key contributor again to one of the premier defenses in the NFL. Now, the expectations are even higher for Heyward and the Steelers in 2025 with multiple key additions to the roster.

Pro Football & Sports Network ranked the top 100 players in the NFL heading into the 2025 season, and Heyward found himself at the number two overall spot on the list.

The only player above the Steelers’ longtime defensive standout was his division rival, Lamar Jackson. Brandon Austin of PFSN backed the staff’s selection of Heyward as the second-best player in the entire NFL with some high praise.

“Even at 36 years old, Cameron Heyward is still showcasing elite defensive line play. He led the league in defensive stops with 47, a testament to his disruptive presence against both the run and pass. Among DTs, he ranked fifth in total pressures (56) and recorded 8.0 sacks.”

“His 12% pressure rate ranked ninth, highlighting his efficiency and relentless motor on every down. Heyward’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet, anchoring a Steelers defense that relied on his veteran leadership and playmaking ability. He tallied 12 quarterback hits (ninth) and recorded 71 total tackles, including 35 solo stops.”

“Heyward’s ability to generate pressure while maintaining gap discipline made him a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s defensive front. He’s heading into Year 15, but his production and consistency have remained among the NFL’s elite.”

Fellow Steelers defenders Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt were listed as the 99th and 27th best players on PFSN’s list, respectively. PFSN based this list largely upon their own “IMPACT” score, which measures the impact each player has on their team. The ranking perfectly encapsulates what kind of season Heyward had for Pittsburgh. Heyward has shown no signs of slowing down and will continue to be one of the premier defensive tackles in the league for the foreseeable future.