Cameron Heyward, IDL
2022 rank: 42nd
2023 prediction: 58th
As you know, the NFL's Top 100 list is released in backward order, and many Steelers fans thought Cameron Heyward made an appearance way too soon. Despite being a First-Team All-Pro interior defender alongside Aaron Donald during the 2021 season, Heyward was ranked just 42nd on the Top 100 list last summer.
This past, Heyward was actually more productive than he was in 2021, as he recorded 10.5 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, and tied a career-high with 23 quarterback hits. He also graded out among the top five at his position, according to Pro Football Focus.
Despite continuing to play at a high level, I do feel that Heyward is bound to dip in this list. The Steelers team captain has always flown a bit under the radar, but now at 34 years old, younger interior defenders like Dexter Lawrence, Quinnen Williams, or DeForest Buckner could potentially leapfrog him on the list.
Heyward is still a great player, and easily a top-3 player on the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, his actual value to the team may not be reflected in the NFL's Top 100 list. I predict that he falls from 42nd to 58th this year.