Pittsburgh Steelers: Top 5 players from the 2019 season

2. Cameron Heyward, DT

Sometimes, it’s worth waiting for a high draft to develop. Despite a slow start to his career, the Steelers remained patient with Heyward. The 31st overall pick in the 2011 draft, Heyward didn’t become a full-time starter until his third season in the league.

Through his first five seasons, Heyward produced 22 sacks, 49 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles. However, Heyward showed increased activity and production during the final two seasons of his rookie contract. Injuries cut his 2016 season short, limiting the budding defensive end to seven games.

Luckily, Heyward bounced back with a vengeance in 2017. That year marked the beginning of an incredible three-year run during which he moved inside, transitioning permanently to the defensive tackle position. His breakout season and shift inside coincided perfectly with Pittsburgh drafting Watt, who gave the team a menacing presence on the edge.

Heyward produced 29 sacks, 62 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles over the past three seasons. Compared to the numbers from his first five seasons, Heyward’s recent production is staggering. Fans voted Heyward to each of the last three Pro Bowls and the Associated Press selected him as a First-Team All-Pro in 2017 and 2019.

Perhaps Heyward’s career arc will convince teams to show patience with their young draft picks in the future.