The Pittsburgh Steelers' roster has changed constantly over the past decade, but one thing that hasn't is Cameron Heyward. The four-time First-Team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler remains the epitome of consistency... but tell that to coaches, executives, and scouts.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler is continuing his series in which NFL execs, coaches, and scouts rank each positional group ahead of the 2026 season. On Thursday, it was the defensive tackles.
Unfortunately, Heyward's name could only be read in small font at the tail end of the article, in a short list of players labeled under "Also receiving votes".
The Steelers star not only missed the top-10 rankings, but he also wasn't one of the three defensive tackles mentioned in the honorable mention category. Now we know the disrespect has gone too far.
Defensive tackle rankings prove Pittsburgh Steelers star Cam Heyward is getting disrespected by his NFL peers
Topping the list was Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle Leonard Williams, who came in 6th on on the list last summer. Williams was followed by the Titans' Jeffery Simmons (No. 2), the Eagles' Jalen Carter (No. 3), the Chiefs' Chris Jones (No. 4), and the Panthers' Derrick Brown (No. 5).
Interestingly, the second half of the list is arguably better than the first, as it includes Quinnen Williams, Dexter Lawrence, Zach Allen, Milton Williams, and Jordan Davis.
Outside of the top 10, the honorable mentions were Byron Murphy II of the Seahawks, DeForest Buckner of the Colts, and Vita Vea of the Buccaneers. In Heyward's "also receiving votes" category were Kobie Turner, Osa Odighizuwa, Kenny Clark, and David Onyemata.
No disrespect to the names in that group, but Heyward belongs in the top 10.
It's true that Heyward saw a significant dip in statistical production last season. In 17 games, the long-time defensive lineman recorded just 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble. However, Heyward was still a menace when it came to stuffing the run.
Heyward's quietly impressive performance earned an outstanding 90.4 overall PFF grade, which was good for 1st in the NFL at the interior defender position in 2026.
But despite his impressive play and the fact that he received All-Pro votes last year, Heyward wasn't even listed with the top 13 defensive tackles in the NFL (10 on the list and three honorable mentions).
Apparently, execs, coaches, and scouts didn't do their homework on the ageless wonder.
Regardless of this wild snub, Heyward is still going strong entering his age-37 season. We know he's bound to slow down at some point. But when it's all said and done, the 2011 first-round pick has strung together a Hall of Fame resume during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers... and those AP votes are the only ones that will matter.
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