Former Steelers GM Kevin Colbert Exposed The Reason Why Cam Heyward Dropped To Pittsburgh In 2011 Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed the services of defensive lineman Cam Heyward for 15 seasons now. In 228 games, the Ohio State University product has racked up 92 sacks and four First Team All-Pro selections in the black and gold. He'll go down as one of the best defensive players to ever play for the Steelers, and he's still playing at an elite level heading into his 16th season. Through contract drama, podcasts, and tons of big plays however, Heyward almost wasn't a Steeler. 

Heyward was selected with the 31st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, after being named to the First Team All-Big Ten Conference in 2010. He was considered one of the best, if not the best, defensive line prospects in that year's draft; however, a UCL injury caused a major bump along the way. He sustained the injury in the Sugar Bowl just a few months before the draft. He required Tommy John surgery. His recovery went well, and he held a special workout for scouts in late March. He couldn't participate in the combine, though, due to injury.

Former Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert was one of those who attended the workout. He determined that Heyward would be one of the best players in the draft, but was unsure if he would fall initially. The UCL injury made that a reality. Colbert explained this on Heyward's podcast, Not Just Football. He was asked if he thought Heyward would've lasted if he hadn't been hurt. 

"...Because he would have been at the [NFL] Combine. When you go to the combine, and you're with your position group, and you work out, and you excel, you separate yourself from the rest of the group. I mean, had he been able to work out at the combine, I think he would have separated himself, and he wouldn't be with us," Colbert said. 

The idea of Heyward not being a part of the Steelers' defense is a thought that wouldn't make sense for many. He has established himself as a franchise cornerstone, and the Steelers were fortunate enough to get him at the tail end of the first round. Colbert knew they wanted Heyward from the get-go. His father played in the NFL, and Heyward played a similar scheme at Ohio State. 

Colbert mentioned how Heyward would be a great fit for the 3-4 defense that the Steelers run and how the pick was a no-brainer. 

"We knew a lot about Cam, obviously, with his father, the great Craig 'Ironhead.' Having followed him at Pitt, we knew a lot about Cam, and you know, Cam was a very good football player at Ohio State. He played in a very similar schematic. It wasn't a true 3-4, but a lot of the same techniques and assignments, and Cam excelled at that in their defense," Colbert said. 

The pick ended up being a 16-year romance that has resulted in seven Pro Bowls and plenty of big moments. Heyward gained his big moment in 2013 when he became a pretty much full-time starter, and he hasn't looked back. Without Heyward's skills and leadership, there would be a 6'5" and 295-pound hole on the defensive line, and the Steelers' defense of late would be missing their leader. 

The Steelers Could Have A Similar Story In Derrick Harmon

Pittsburgh drafted Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at pick 21. He slipped to the end of the round just like Heyward did due to injury. Harmon was flagged for some knee issues before the draft, even though he was one of the top defensive linemen prospects purely based on skill. However, he fell, and Pittsburgh needed a young player to pair with Heyward, and Harmon was their choice. 

Harmon has a similar story to Heyward, and he has already been a huge part of the Steelers' defense. He only started eight games in 2025, but his role increased throughout the season. When he was sidelined due to injury, his absence was felt, as the Steelers' run defense suffered. Harmon seems like he could have a similar story to his mentor, Heyward. 

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