NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Pittsburgh Steelers: Ranking the 10 best players of the past decade

By Samuel Teets

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a pass during the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a pass during the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
New York Jets Le'Veon Bell
Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

6. Le’Veon Bell, RB

Bell will always serve as a huge “what-if” in franchise history. What if the Steelers didn’t franchise tag the All-Pro in two consecutive seasons and worked out a long-term deal? Could the Steelers have challenged for a championship in 2018? Could Bell’s presence help the team to the playoffs without reliable quarterback play this past season?

During the five seasons Bell spent with the Steelers, he amassed 5,336 rushing yards, 35 rushing touchdowns, 312 receptions, 2,660 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. In total, he produced 7,996 yards from scrimmage and 42 touchdowns. The Associated Press selected him as a First-Team All-Pro in 2014 and 2017. He accomplished all of this while missing ten games in 2015.

Unfortunately, Bell held out for the entire 2018 season. While James Conner filled in well, the team’s overall ground game suffered. Now, both Bell and Pittsburgh’s running back situation sit in uneasy positions.

5. Cameron Heyward, DL

The Steelers snagged Heyward with the 31st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. The Ohio St. defensive end appeared in all 32 games during his first two seasons but never earned a start. Heyward finally took over as a full-time starter in 2013 and has built toward his current success ever since.

With decent campaigns in 2014 and 2015, it looked as though Heyward could breakout in 2016. Unfortunately, he landed on injured reserve (IR) after seven disappointing games. However, Heyward returned with a vengeance in 2017 and began the tremendous streak of play he’s still carrying on today.

In 2017, Heyward set a career-high in sacks with 12. He made his first Pro Bowl, and the Associated Press Selected him as a First-Team All-Pro. The following season, Pittsburgh kicked Heyward inside to the defensive tackle position. He made the Pro Bowl but did not repeat as an All-Pro.

After a full year of experience as a defensive tackle, Heyward reached All-Pro heights again this past season. The Associated Press selected him as a First-Team All-Pro, and Heyward set career-highs with 23 quarterback hits and 83 tackles.

Over the past three seasons, Heyward has amassed 29 sacks, 63 quarterback hits, and 179 tackles.

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers