If there is one unit worthy of preseason optimism, it's the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense. The group features a dominant front seven and a secondary with just as much potential, even if free safety remains a question mark. Yet the national media either continues to overlook the Steelers or simply doesn't value them as highly as it should. Either argument might have some merit. Regardless, several Steelers have been snubbed in offseason rankings, and defensive captain Cam Heyward is the latest to receive that treatment.
In ESPN's poll of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, voters ranked the league's top 10 defensive tackles. Leonard Williams claimed the top spot after a dominant season. But Heyward, who has routinely ranked near the top of these lists throughout his career, didn't even earn an honorable mention. Instead, ESPN wrote:
“Also receiving votes: Cameron Heyward, Kobie Turner, Osa Odighizuwa, Kenny Clark, David Onyemata, Ed Oliver”
What a slap in the face to one of the game's greatest defenders.
Heyward is still a top-10 defensive tackle
Heyward doesn't just anchor the Steelers' defense, he demands the respect of every opponent he faces. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded 11.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and 29 quarterback hits. He has also batted down 17 passes at the line of scrimmage, an impressive total for any defensive tackle. In fact, that's more passes defended than some defensive backs have recorded over their entire careers.
Even at 37 years old, Heyward still commands double teams on a regular basis. He continues to defy Father Time with elite production. Leaving him off the top-10 list entirely is a surprising oversight. This isn't the same situation as 2023, when he was returning from an injury-riddled season and questions about potential decline were understandable. Instead, Heyward is once again playing at a level that rivals any defensive lineman in the NFL.
Steelers defense continues to be disrespected
The Steelers' 2025 defense has fell short of the lofty historical expectations established by their former head coach. However, much of that can be attributed to stale, ineffective schemes under the previous defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Even one of his former free safeties recently criticized Austin's approach publicly. Pittsburgh now enters a new era under a promising defensive coordinator with a fresh system.
Coaching changes naturally create uncertainty, but players like Joey Porter Jr. and Heyward have earned top-10 recognition at their respective positions. Instead, both continue to be overlooked by their peers and the national media. If there's one unit that has historically thrived on added motivation, it's the Steelers' defense.
They should have plenty of it by the time September arrives.
