Former NFL general manager Doug Whaley believes Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith can reach the league's Top 10 at his position if he stays healthy for a full season.
Whaley made the comments Wednesday on 93.7 The Fan. He said Highsmith can do a lot for his status in the league if he can stay healthy for 17 games. Whaley added that if Highsmith continues his strong finish from the 2025 season over a full schedule he will be knocking on that Top 10 door.
Highsmith has faced injury setbacks recently. He missed a combined 10 games over the past two seasons including four in 2025. When available he led the Steelers with 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss last year.
T.J. Watt ranked seventh on ESPN's annual Top 10 edge rushers list voted on by coaches scouts and executives. Highsmith and teammate Nick Herbig also feature on the Steelers' roster at the position.
Speculation about Highsmith's future arose after Nick Herbig signed a contract extension but that talk has eased with all three players remaining in Pittsburgh.
