Listen, we love Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive lineman Cam Heyward as much as anyone, but his ranking in a top-100 players list was shocking, to say the least.
Pro Football and Sports Network unveiled its 100-best players going into 2025 and Heyward landed at No. 2 on the list, falling behind only Baltimore Ravens quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
“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,” the outlet wrote.
“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,” PFSN added.
“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.”
The next-closest defensive lineman on the list was Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones, who landed at No. 3.
Jones is widely considered the best defensive lineman in the NFL since the retirement of Los Angeles Rams great, Aaron Donald, but clearly PFSN doesn’t consider him better than Heyward.
Heyward’s spot on PFSN’s rankings is a far cry from where he ended up in the top-100 list put out by the league, which is voted on by players.
The seven-time Pro Bowler was ranked at No. 83 on that list, which amounted to a 15-spot jump for him from 2024.
Many pegged Heyward for a decline after a down 2023 campaign that was marred by injury, but the future Hall of Famer bounced back in a big way in 2024 and reminded everyone why he has been one of the league’s best for several years.
All that said, would we put him as high as No. 2 on a list that includes all players, regardless of position? No, but to each their own.
MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS
J.J. Watt has 3-word reaction to T.J. Watt’s extension
T.J. Watt reacts to record-breaking extension
