Steelers' First Depth Chart Of 2024 Raises Interesting Questions About TE Connor Heyward

The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the more unimpressive offensive units throughout the Matt Canada era. The former play-caller was promoted in 2021 and ended up being fired during the middle of the 2023 campaign. The organization went on to hire Arthur Smith as the new leader of the offense and, based on his track record with the same position down with the Tennessee Titans, excitement emerged in the Steel City. Smith led an offensive unit with the Titans that emphasized the running game and tight end position. Another area that has been lost in today's NFL is fullback, and Smith isn't afraid to use one.

Smith led a rather unsuccessful stint as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 to 2023, but that doesn't mean he isn't capable of calling an offense. Some coordinators are better in that position than being the overall leader of locker room. It's going to be fascinating to see how much more productive the Steelers are offensively under Smith's leadership compared to Canada's, but overall, there could be an odd twist.

Pittsburgh released the first depth chart of 2024, and while many expected Connor Heyward to fall into the tight end category, the franchise is labeling him as a fullback, which is a position that Smith loves to use.

Heyward is still listed as the third tight end and that fact should bring a level of intrigue to the brains of Steelers fans. Jack Colletto is a potential secret weapon and the undrafted rookie having someone listed ahead of him at the position could certainly be to push him a bit more when it comes to his efforts towards making the team. Even if he doesn't, it's evident that the Steelers' offense under Smith will absolutely be using a fullback.

Heyward was a sixth-round pick in 2022 and has proven to be a team player willing to contribute in any way possible. Given the most recent depth chart, he should be making the team for a third consecutive season, but it definitely raises questions about what position the coaching staff is expecting him to play. He is arguably a more dynamic receiving threat than Darnell Washington, but could also step in at fullback and blow up linebackers at the line of scrimmage.

Overall, the first official depth chart of 2024 nearly secures Heyward a spot on the team, but also communicates to Colletto that a fullback is needed. There's no doubt that despite a much more talked about situation at quarterback, there also could be a competition to be the team's starting fullback. If used correctly, a running offense could be lethal with someone leading the way and opening holes for the ball carriers.

Steelers' Running Back Situation Would Make Any Fullback Happy

Both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren would make any fullback's job easy. The two ball-carriers are powerful and elusive, which just leaves one job for the individuals blocking for them: leave a hole to burst into. Pittsburgh has the opportunity to have one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL in 2024, and it will be interesting to see how often Heyward is used in that part of the offense. Colletto also could make the team and act as a very interesting gadget piece that no one saw coming.

Do you think that Heyward could be a permanent fullback in the NFL? Will Colletto end up making the roster and be one of the more surprising contributors on offense? Let us know in the comments below!

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