To keep our streak of meaningless rankings going, Cameron Heyward was ranked 88th on the NFL Network’s annual Top 100 list.
I, sadly, do not get the NFL Network but I’ll throw in a video whenever it comes available. As you can tell in the above graphic, this is Heyward’s first year on the list.
UPDATE: Here’s a link to the video.
Last season, Heyward recorded 54 tackles, 7 sacks and forced a fumble while playing close to 90% of the team’s defensive snaps, one of the top marks for any 3-4 defensive end. He now had 14.5 over the last two seasons. Heyward is arguably the best player on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense and really proved last season he has virtually no flaws in his game.
Two gap versus the run? Check. One gap and penetrate? Yup. Get after the QB? You know it. Play all over the defensive front? Been there, done it. Run your tail off downfield? No one does it better.
That doesn’t even begin to touch on the leader he is, his friendliness to the media, or the work the Heyward House has put in.
He’s already been working hard for an even stronger 2016 campaign. Matthew Marczi highlighted last month that Heyward is Nabie Fofanah, otherwise known as the Speed Doctor.
Some quotes from those in the video.
“He does a great job of keeping guards off balanced.” – Kelvin Beachum
“He has a tremendous bull rush. He might have the most devastating bull rush in the NFL.” – Browns’ OG Cameron Erving
“We run a lot of zone scheme. And if he’s on th backside, you gotta keep your eye on him. Because he’s probably going to be there waiting.” – Ravens’ RB Justin Forsett
