Pittsburgh Steelers: Ranking the last 10 top picks in NFL Draft
By Samuel Teets
4. T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin (2017)
It’s still early, but Watt looks like he could become an unstoppable force in the NFL for the better part of the 2020s. The 30th overall pick in 2017, T.J. followed in the footprints of his older brother, J.J. While he might never be as dominant, T.J. could conceivably win a Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award during his career and join J.J. in Canton one day.
T.J. produced promising numbers as a rookie and claimed a spot on the 2017 NFL All-Rookie Team. He continued building on his early success over the past two years, making the Pro Bowl both times. This past season, Watt heard his name tossed around in the DPOY conversation and earned a First-Team All-Pro selection.
Over his first three seasons, Watt produced three interceptions, 18 passes defensed, 15 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 34.5 sacks, 177 tackles and 70 quarterback hits. He’s the next great Steelers outside linebacker.
3. Cameron Heyward, DL, Ohio State (2011)
After losing to the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl, the Steelers selected Heyward with the 31st overall pick in the draft. The Ohio St. defensive end worked as a rotational player for the first two seasons of his career, not earning a single start. Heyward took over as a starter in 2013 and began his slow climb to the top of the NFL.
After consistent seasons in 2014 and 2015, Pittsburgh fans hoped Heyward could take his game to the next level in 2016. Unfortunately, the defensive end suffered a pectoral injury that ended his season after seven games. Luckily, Heyward returned better than ever the following year.
In 2017, Heyward produced 12 sacks, 45 tackles and 22 quarterback hits. He made the first of three consecutive Pro Bowls, and the Associated Press selected him as a First-Team All-Pro. He returned to the Pro Bowl in 2018 with eight sacks, 51 tackles, and 18 quarterback hits. Around that time, Heyward began lining up at the defensive tackle position.
This past season, Heyward arguably turned in the best performance of his career. He produced nine sacks, 83 tackles, and 23 quarterback hits. The Associated Press awarded him with another First-Team All-Pro selection. Hopefully, the soon-to-be 31-year-old can continue producing at an All-Pro level.