The NFL Network's Top 100 Players list is always a hot topic, with players from around the league casting their votes. But while we await the full reveal, CBS Sports' Pete Prisco has already unveiled his own version.
In Prisco's lineup, only two Pittsburgh Steelers made the cut: T.J. Watt at No. 88 and Cam Heyward at a solid No.
Now, here's where things get interesting. At 37, an age where most NFL players are either winding down or have already hung up their cleats, Cam Heyward is doing anything but slowing.
In fact, he's defying the odds, playing at an elite level and somehow looking more formidable with each passing year. It’s as if he’s decided that age is just a number, and he’s not ready to let it define his game.
Heyward's spot on Prisco's list is a testament to the respect he's garnered over the years. Yet, despite this recognition, he often flies under the radar outside of Pittsburgh. It's a bit puzzling, considering his consistent performance that places him among the league's top defenders season after season.
What makes Heyward truly stand out is his unique blend of longevity and consistency. Even though he hasn't quite matched the dominance of his standout 2024 season-where he earned All-Pro honors-he remains a force to be reckoned with. His ability to maintain such a high level of play year after year, especially in the physically demanding role of an interior defensive lineman, is nothing short of remarkable.
This year, Heyward only slipped slightly from 37th to 39th on the list, underscoring his enduring presence as one of the premier players at his position. In the realm of true defensive linemen-those who battle it out in the trenches rather than rushing from the edge-only Jeffery Simmons of the Titans ranks higher, coming in at 20th. This highlights the league-wide respect Heyward commands.
Anchoring the Steelers' defense, Heyward continues to prove that his game is as relevant as ever, even as he edges closer to 40. His career is a masterclass in sustaining excellence, and his presence on the field is a constant reminder that some stars only shine brighter with time.
In Other News...
Steelers Rookie Is Suddenly Crashing A Roster Battle Nobody Saw Coming
A seventh-round pick usually arrives in Pittsburgh with a long road ahead, but Robert Spears-Jennings has made enough of an impression early to get his name into the conversation. After OTAs and minicamp, an insider from The Athletic pointed to the rookie safety as a player who showed promising traits and could push for a spot on the 53-man roster in the kind of role the Steelers always seem to value, contributing on special teams while providing depth on the back end.
Spears-Jennings comes to the NFL after four seasons at Oklahoma, where he built a reputation for production and consistency across 47 games. His path is still steep, as it is for most late-round defensive backs, but the early buzz is notable because it suggests the Steelers may already be seeing more than just a developmental project as training camp approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Fans Wont Love This Surprise Trade Buzz On Defense
The Steelers are still sorting out what their defense is supposed to look like under Patrick Graham, and that includes a secondary that has already seen its share of movement. Pittsburgh brought back Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year deal after his spinal fusion surgery, then added Jamel Dean and Jaquan Brisker to a group that is trying to mesh new pieces with the teams familiar 3-4 leanings.
Now comes the kind of chatter fans usually do not love this time of year: a Sports Illustrated report casting Samuel Jr. as a possible trade candidate. It is only speculation, but it adds another layer to a defense that is already balancing health, depth and scheme changes, with any move depending on whether Pittsburgh thinks the back end is crowded enough to justify it. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Are Already Zeroing In On A Future Defensive Anchor
The Steelers are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft as they start sorting through a middle linebacker class that could eventually shape the heart of their defense. Among the names on the radar are Auburns Xavier Atkins, Texas linebacker Biles, Indianas Rolijah Hardy and Notre Dames Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, a group that stands out for athleticism, versatility and the kind of range teams look for when theyre trying to find a long-term defensive centerpiece.
Biles is an especially interesting watch because he once played in Pittsburgh before transferring to Texas, and he arrives with a strong production track record that will keep evaluators paying attention. Hardy brings a different kind of profile, with impact plays that raise the question of how hell be deployed at the next level, while Viliamu-Asa already looks like the sort of bigger, sturdier presence that can hold up in the middle. For now, its just a scouting exercise, but it is a clear sign the Steelers are thinking about who might be next in line to anchor the defense. [Read more 🡒]