Alex Highsmith took a nice step forward throughout the 2021 season, which happened to be his first full season as a starter.
Now, on the cusp of his second full season as a starter and third season in the NFL overall, Highsmith appears poised to break out in a big way opposite reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year award winner T.J. Watt.
The Draft Network certainly seems to believe so, as writer Ryan Fowler highlighted Highsmith as his breakout player for 2022, citing his improved pass rusher repertoire, as well as his added strength as a run defender, developing into a solid complimentary piece on the Steelers’ defense opposite Watt.