Summary

Cameron Heyward was selected in the 1st Round (#31 Overall) in the 2011 Draft out of Ohio State University. Heyward is a standout defensive lineman whose strengths are elite strength, technical excellence, consistency, run‑defense dominance and leadership. His primary limitations center less on major flaws and more on incremental edges: fewer ultra‑lateral agility or burst traits compared to some rush specialists, some potential decline due to age and an above‑average but not freak‑athlete pass‑rush move set. In his position and role, though, those are relatively small caveats. He remains a highly valuable defensive asset—one of the best interior linemen of his era.

Strengths

• Elite strength and power at point of attack: Elite strength and one of the strongest players at his position in the NFL. Repeatedly wins with strength and impeccable technique. He uses his hands efficiently, maintains leverage, and consistently controls blocks or pushes linemen backward. His ability to collapse the pocket, disrupt space and finish plays is among the best for his position.

• Run‑defense excellence & durability: He sets the edge, holds gap integrity, and takes on double‑teams with competency and is extremely durable: for many seasons he has been an every‑down player, trusted to carry heavy snap counts. steelersdepot.com

• Technique, veteran IQ & consistency: Beyond raw tools, his game is built on technique, alignment, hand‑usage, read & react skills and experience. He has shown nearly elite consistency in performance, which is rare for interior linemen. steelersdepot.com

• Leadership & impactful presence: Heyward is not only physically impactful, but also a leader, mentor and fulcrum of the Steelers’ defensive front. His presence forces offense to account for him. steelersdepot.com

Weaknesses

• Pass‑rush repertoire / elite “move” arsenal: While strong, Heyward relies more on power than a broad mix of finesse rush moves or elite first step. As he ages, maintaining sack production by relying on power may become harder.

• Age & durability risk (later career): Although durable, his age is a factor. Age does factor into whether he can play at this level at the volume of snaps for too much longer. In 2023 he struggled with a groin injury that impacted his performance. RotoWire

• Athleticism vs more agile opponents: While very good, his burst and agility may not match those of the very elite interior/edge rushers who combine speed + moves. In situations requiring lateral chase, extreme quickness or drop‑into‑coverage (though not his primary role), he may not be the top athlete.

Fit & Outlook

Heyward is a prototypical “anchor” interior defensive lineman in a top front. His best role is one where he plays in a scheme that values two‑gap or heavy‑front run‑defense responsibilities and allows him to use his power and technique. Heyward remains a major contributor to pass‑rush from the interior: his ability to collapse the pocket is a rare trait. Although in the twilight of his career, he can continue to play high‑volume snaps by maintaining his health and conditioning.