The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again well-represented in ESPN’s annual Top 100 Players list. This year, two of the Steelers’ defensive stalwarts, Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt, have earned their place among the league’s elite. This recognition highlights their consistent performance and crucial roles in the Steelers’ defense. Steelers fans eagerly anticipate how these players will perform in the upcoming 2025 season.
This article will delve into the rankings of Heyward and Watt, offering insights into ESPN’s analysis of their strengths and projected impact for the 2025 season. We’ll also examine how their rankings compare to other top defensive players in the league and discuss what this recognition means for the Steelers’ overall outlook.
Cam Heyward: A Force at No. 58
Cam Heyward, the Steelers’ All-Pro defensive tackle, secured the No. 58 spot on ESPN’s Top 100 Players list. At 36, Heyward is still playing at an elite level. Brooke Pryor of ESPN noted, ‘Heyward is playing some of the best football of his career of late. The defensive tackle earned All-Pro honors for a monstrous season in 2024, when he batted down a career-high 11 passes, collected eight sacks and recorded 20 QB hits.’ His ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage continues to make him a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense.
ESPN projects Heyward to record 72 tackles and five sacks in 2025. While these are solid numbers, Heyward’s impact extends beyond statistics. His leadership and experience are invaluable to the Steelers’ defensive unit. He commands respect on and off the field, mentoring younger players and setting a high standard for performance.
As Heyward enters another season, his durability and sustained excellence are truly remarkable. He remains a player to watch, capable of influencing games with his strength, technique, and relentless motor.
T.J. Watt Nears the Top 10 at No. 11
T.J. Watt, the Steelers’ All-Pro outside linebacker, landed just outside the top 10, claiming the No. 11 spot on ESPN’s Top 100 Players list. Watt’s ranking reflects his consistent dominance as a pass rusher and playmaker. Despite what was considered a ‘quiet five-game stretch’ at the end of the 2024 season, Watt remains one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL. Pryor wrote, ‘Fresh off a record extension, he is focused on becoming more versatile and rushing from the left and right.’
ESPN projects Watt to amass 60 tackles, 10 sacks, and three passes defended in 2025. For a player of Watt’s caliber, these projections set a high bar. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses is unparalleled, and his presence significantly impacts the Steelers’ defensive strategy. Watt is constantly double-teamed and faces constant schematic attention, yet still produces at an elite level.
Watt’s determination to evolve his game further solidifies his status as a top-tier player. As he continues to refine his skills and diversify his approach, Watt is poised to remain a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.
How Watt Compares to Other Top Defensive Players
ESPN’s Top 100 list provides a valuable perspective on how T.J. Watt stacks up against other elite defensive players in the league. Several defensive stars were ranked ahead of Watt, including Chris Jones (No. 10), Micah Parsons (No. 9), Pat Surtain II (No. 6), and Myles Garrett (No. 3). These rankings spark debate among fans and analysts, as each player brings unique strengths to the field.
Jones, Parsons, Surtain and Garrett are all exceptional talents who have earned their high rankings. Jones’ disruptive presence on the defensive line, Parsons’ versatility as a linebacker, Surtain’s lockdown coverage skills, and Garrett’s relentless pass-rushing abilities make them formidable opponents. While Watt’s ranking behind these players may fuel discussions, it also underscores the depth of defensive talent in the NFL.
Ultimately, comparing players across different positions is subjective. Each player’s impact is shaped by their role within their respective team’s scheme. Watt’s consistent production and game-changing plays solidify his status as one of the NFL’s premier defensive stars, regardless of his specific ranking.
Jalen Ramsey: Notable Absence
All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, newly acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, was notably absent from the Top 100 list. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN noted, ‘Ramsey surprisingly slipped out of our top 10 cornerbacks list in July, but Pittsburgh believes he’s got plenty left in the tank at age 30.’ Ramsey’s omission raises eyebrows, considering his reputation as one of the league’s top cornerbacks.
Despite Ramsey’s recent trade and the expectations surrounding his arrival in Pittsburgh, ESPN’s analysts may have factored in his age and recent performance. Some inside the league anticipate a resurgence from Ramsey in 2025, suggesting that a change of scenery may revitalize his career. One NFL personnel director noted, ‘He can outstay his welcome…But when he’s motivated and locked in, he’s still really good.’
Whether Ramsey’s absence from the Top 100 list serves as motivation or simply reflects current perceptions remains to be seen. Steelers fans will closely watch his performance in 2025, eager to see if he can reclaim his status as an elite cornerback.
The recognition of Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt in ESPN’s Top 100 Players list underscores their importance to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Heyward’s sustained excellence and Watt’s dominant pass-rushing abilities make them vital components of the team’s defense. Their rankings reflect their consistent performance and impact on the field. While the absence of Jalen Ramsey from the list raises questions, it also adds intrigue to the Steelers’ outlook for the 2025 season.
As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, the contributions of Heyward, Watt, and the potential resurgence of Ramsey will be key factors in their success. Steelers fans can look forward to watching these players compete at a high level and strive to lead their team to victory.
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