Steelers' Cam Heyward Absolutely Perplexed As To How Alex Highsmith Failed To Crack The NFL's Top 100 Players List

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2022 season with a 9-8 record, failing to make the playoffs. Behind starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, the team finished this past season strong, winning seven of the final nine games and are poised to carry this momentum over to the upcoming season. This included a stunning come-from-behind victory on Christmas Eve against the Las Vegas Raiders. Steeler Nation is expecting similar success this season come December as the team and the rest of the NFL will have several games for Christmas Day in 2023. While Pickett and the offense for the most part played well in 2022 however, there is no denying that the defense was the better of the two sides. 

Arguably the three best players from this unit are Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, all three landed on the NFL's Top 100 Players List this offseason. 

Both Heyward and Fitzpatrick had stellar 2022 seasons, while Watt missed most of the year after sustaining a pectoral injury in the Steelers' opening game against the Cincinnati Bengals. With Watt out, there was a dire need for a player on the roster to step up in his absence and get after team's opposing quarterback, fortunately, fellow outside linebacker, Alex Highsmith was up to the task. Highsmith had a breakout season in 2022, compiling 14.5 sacks to go along with 12 tackles for loss. 

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Highsmith's success from a year ago was the fact that Watt was injured for a majority of the season. He was an absolute nightmare for offenses in both rushing the passer and defending the run. One would think that this type of performance would be enough to crack the Top 100, but this was not the case. 

Needless to say, this did not sit well with those in the Steelers organization, most notably Heyward, who was voted to be the 45th best player in the NFL. During a recent episode of the Not Just Football podcast, Heyward, along with co-host, Hayden Walsh, voiced their displeasure with Highsmith failing to crack the list and were perplexed as to how Dallas Cowboys linebacker, Micah Parsons, was voted at #9 after having less sacks than the Steelers outside linebacker. 

"How does Alex Highsmith not even make the top 100," asked Heyward. Micah Parsons is a great player, he's voted in the top-10, and Highsmith had as many sacks and as many forced fumbles," explained Walsh. 

Can Highsmith Replicate The Same Type Of Success For The Steelers In 2023? 

Highsmith's high level of play in 2022 earned him a massive, four-year, $68 million contract during the 2023 offseason. With both him and Watt locked up for the foreseeable future, the Steelers are well-equipped to have one of the most dangerous pass rushing duos in the NFL. Over the course of his three seasons in Pittsburgh, Highsmith has steadily shown improvement. While fans are optimistically hoping this trend continues in 2023, it is yet to be seen if the former third-round pick has already reached his highest potential. 

At only 26 years old, Highsmith is still well within the prime of his career and has reportedly been extremely impressive thus far in training camp. He has already more than demonstrated his commitment to doing whatever it takes to help the Steelers make a serious push for contention in 2023. He has always put the team first and has quickly become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. It will be exciting to see what he can do this upcoming season. Assuming both he and Watt remain healthy, the Steelers have a great opportunity to lead the league in sacks this season. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

How shocked were you to see Highsmith not make the NFL's Top 100 Players List? Do you think he can have another big season in 2023? How excited are you to watch the Steelers in preseason action? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

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