3 Steelers who should be locks to make the Pro Bowl in 2021
By Tommy Jaggi
Steelers DL Cameron Heyward
If we are looking at players in terms of their raw numbers, then there are other interior defenders who would be selected to the Pro Bowl ahead of Cameron Heyward. However, I’m giving the voting population (players, coaches, and fans) some credit that they know what they are evaluating here.
Despite having just 4.5 sacks in nine games this season, Heyward has been a disruptive force on the Pittsburgh Steelers and quite possibly the most consistent player on the team on either side of the football.
Heyward ranks 1st among 128 qualifying interior defenders this year, via Pro Football Focus. His 92.5 overall grade currently tops the great Aaron Donald, and Watt stands as the highest-graded defensive player in the NFL entering Week 11.
While players like Calais Campbell, D.J. Reader, and Jeffery Simmons have all been quality defensive linemen in the AFC this year, I think Heyward has outplayed them all. He should receive the most votes among interior defenders on the AFC Pro Bowl team and he’s a lock to make the squad this year.