Steelers Highsmith doesn’t make a leap
While 2022 wasn’t quite the breakout season for Alex Highsmith as many had hoped it would be, he certainly finished the year better than how he started it. Inconsistencies and injuries marred the earlier portion of his season, but by year’s end, he was consistently applying pressure and getting after the quarterback. Many are hoping that he takes that next leap in 2022.
While the Steelers should have no issue with their other pass rusher as T.J. Watt will likely be his usual dominant self, having a steady pass rusher opposite of him would make this defense that much more dangerous. A steady pass rush from both sides is hard to combat for an offense. Highsmith was almost there last season, and the expectation is for him to get there this year.
The issue if he doesn’t is that with this being his third year in the league, it would seem unlikely that he gets that much better. That means an edge rusher suddenly is atop the list of needs for the team next offseason. Highsmith still has a lot to prove this season, and the results for the defense this season and next year are riding on Highsmith finally making that list.