Entering 2022, Alex Highsmith made it clear he wanted to reach double-digit sacks. He did a lot more than that. By year’s end, he broke out for a career-high 14.5 of them, chipping in a league-tying five forced fumbles along the way. It made him the easy choice for Pro Football Focus’ surprise Steeler of the year. In explaining why, PFF’s Marcus Mosher writes:
“Highsmith finished the 2022 season with 15 sacks and 55 pressures, both of which were career highs. Despite not having T.J. Watt opposite of him for a big chunk of the season, Highsmith was able to be productive for the Steelers.