Is it just me, or is NFL playoff football just not the same without the Pittsburgh Steelers involved? Even though the AFC North is still represented in this year's playoffs (Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals), Steeler Nation is set to believe that after finishing the year with a record 9-8, the Steelers could have potentially made some serious noise in what is going to be a close AFC title race.
While that is obviously just an assumption, the Steelers themselves did leave room for thought as to the future potential of this young team.
Pittsburgh Steelers defense celebrates an interception in a win vs The Cleveland Browns in Week 18. / Photo Credit: Jared Wickerham.Steelers.com
The future is what Steelers fans have to look forward to, and it is in fact a bright one. With the exception of Fullback Derek Watt, this Steelers team offensively did not have a single starter on their depth chart that was over the age of 26 years old for the whole 2022 season.
While starting Quarterback Kenny Pickett was indeed selected in the first round of this year's draft, he’s looked at as a bit of an older rookie being 24 years old at the time of his first NFL start. The weapons Pickett has surrounding him are all around the same age, there are some younger prospects selected in this year's draft, that have yet to make a name for themselves on an NFL football field.
While there are a number of candidates you can choose from, the one that caught my eye most this season was the sixth-round selection Tight End Connor Heyward. When given the opportunity, the younger brother of Steelers captain Cam Heyward has taken advantage, especially down the stretch for this football team.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/full back Connor Heyward(83), tight end Zach Gentry (81), tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug.13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Although his numbers won't jump out at you, only catching 12 passes for 151 yards and one solo touchdown, when you take into account that he was doing so listed as the third-string tight end, is impressive in my eyes. Being a sixth-round pick, most guys in his situation have trouble finding the field on any given day, Heyward obviously consistently impressed all season.
On Sunday, @steelers rookie TE @ConnorHeyward1 caught his first career touchdown. 🙌
— NFL (@NFL) December 6, 2022
Sharing the field with his older brother @CamHeyward, this moment meant more than just reaching another football milestone. (THREAD ⬇️)pic.twitter.com/a6Nkyd0iBg
The former Michigan State University fullback drew a lot of interest for his playmaking ability and college and has done a good job of providing such as he transitions into a full-time NFL tight end. The impact that he will have in the immediate future is unknown, but with Tight End Zach Gentry scheduled to become a free agent this offseason, Heyward may have done enough to solidify himself as the second tight end on the depth chart, behind budding star Pat Freiermuth.
Although he may be looked at as a backup, there were plenty of times we saw Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada use multiple tight end sets on many offensive drives this season, with his potential return, it's safe to say we might see the same in 2023.
Heyward showcased the ability to not only catch the football but also affect the game in other ways, excelling in blocking assignments and being able to create space in the passing game before the ball is thrown. In my opinion, he is a player that would hurt your team more if not on the field.
Whether or not the Steelers decide to re-sign Gentry or not is still left in question, he himself did a good job serving as TE2 and clearly has a good relationship with Freiermuth as well. That may not be enough to overtake the potential that Heyward could bring to this offense, even with playmakers at every position.
Pittsburgh Steelers Tight End Connor Heyward catches a touchdown pass in a Week 13 win vs The Atlanta Falcons / Photo Credit: Karl Roser Steelers.com
Would you be confident in Connor Heyward as TE2 next season? Or should the Steelers consider re-signing Zach Gentry this offseason? Comment below!
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