5 best Pittsburgh Steelers players from the 2022 season

Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

2. DL Cameron Heyward

Once again, Cameron Heyward had another spectacular season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He expressed his frustration with not earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2022. If not for an incredibly strong group of interior defenders at the top of the list, he probably would have.

Heyward recorded 10.5 sacks for the Steelers this past season as he continued at his impressive pace. He was able to do this despite the absence of T.J. Watt to help alleviate pressure. It’s also worth noting that the rest of the interior defensive line really struggled. This has pretty much been the case since Stephon Tuitt left.

Heyward, however, remains one of the most consistent and imposing players on the team. The veteran leader was a big part of the defensive turnaround in the second half of the season.

Even at 33 years old, Heyward earned the 5th-highest overall grade among interior defenders, according to Pro Football Focus. There’s no reason to expect this to suddenly cease until he actually starts to show signs of slowing down.