Many scientists and people alike think that Neadnerthals are the closest species to us ever but is that true. Neanderthals maybe closer to us then Erectus/Ergaster than or any other species but what about Heidelbergs (Homo Heildelbergenis)? Both Neanderthals and Sapiens (us) came from Heidelbergs and because of this I think we might actually be closer to Heidelbergs. Neanderthals for one evolved into different people than us and on top of all that Heidelbergs look closer to us. Neanderthals may have more intelligence than Heidelbergs but Heidelbergs looks more closely like us. For one they are taller and not as stocky as Neanderthals and their facial feautres look more like us.
Furthermore Heidelbergs may also be the Neanderthals closest reletive too as well as our closest reletive. What do you think?