3. Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
Another former first-round pick who enjoyed a great campaign in 2019 is Cameron Heyward with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Heyward was selected by the organization near the end of the first round back in 2011, and has been a presence up front for the Steelers almost since his rookie season. He had a breakout year in 2013, when he played 836 snaps – which was a career-high to that point – and notched six sacks.
But the past three seasons in Pittsburgh have seen some of the best football he has to offer. 2019 marked his third-straight season of double-digit sacks, as he took down the opposing passer ten times. But he also set career high numbers in tackles with 52 and “stops” with 44. He was also impressive in coverage, as it were, as he was actually targeted one time in pass coverage and he broke up the attempt.
To be considered the best you have to beat the best, and Heyward did that in Week 9. In a game that has gotten a lot of attention on the timeline recently, Heyward had a great outing against the Indianapolis Colts and their impressive guard Quentin Nelson. That day Heyward notched five pressures, four hurries and four tackles, while often working against the talented guard.
For example, watch the push-pull move he puts on Nelson on this running play:
Not only does Heyward have the power and technique to shed the guard on this play, but he then finishes the rep by tracking Marlon Mack down along the line of scrimmage and making the tackle for a loss.
Sure, Javon Hargrave is on to new ventures in Philadelphia, but Heyward’s talent, technique and effort make him a force to be reckoned with on the inside of the Steelers’ defensive line.