The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted TE/FB Connor Heyward in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. People had and still have questions about what position the former Michigan State Spartan will play for the Steelers’ offense, but I don’t think it really matters. Heyward is just a football player, plain and simple. He’s a hard nosed-runner with the football in his hands and has put on tape that he can line up in-line and block defensive ends. He’s another player that will rambunctiously get behind the heavy rushing attack philosophy that the Steelers will look to heavily employ next season. Just ask Brian Baldinger!
.@MSU_Football @ConnorHeyward1 every team needs a “Heyward” in the #NFL. Connor does so much; so much of the dirty work that has to get done for the stars to shine. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/mrbczmCVrj
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 28, 2022
You’re right, that was number two overall pick, Detroit Lions’ DE Aidan Hutchinson. Just with that little taste of the heavy lifting a skill player is willing to do is a Pittsburgh Steeler mentality.
According to Spotrac, FB Derek Watt, surprisingly, is the Steelers’ highest paid offensive player. (I can go in depth in entire article by itself about how this obviously isn’t just about his offensive fit, but his impact on special teams, but hopefully his offensive use will increase this year as well under second year offensive coordinator, Matt Canada). Will Heyward be able to unseat Watt for that position? Good news…
He won’t have to! I predict they’ll both make the 53-man roster with Heyward being the team’s third TE and special teamer. Outgoing GM Kevin Colbert spoke to the media about Heyward after the Steelers drafted the TE/FB.
“Obviously people understand who he is," said General Manager Kevin Colbert. "First and foremost, that's not why we drafted him. Connor Heyward was a running back at Michigan State, and really I give Coach Tucker and his staff credit for taking Connor and using him in a different manner as an H-back tight end/fullback.”
Colbert continued,
“Connor has got exceptional ball skills, receiving abilities, for a big man. We're excited to see what he can do as a tight end, as an H-back, as a special teamer. I don't want to discount, this guy one time against the University of Maryland put up I believe it was 140-some yards in a game, so he's very, very talented. He's very versatile."
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 31: Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans runs a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
How the Steelers can use Heyward
The Steelers can look into using Heyward in many areas on the offensive side of the ball, but most likely the playmaker will have to make a name for himself in the third phase of the game, special teams, first and foremost.
That’s the name of the game, though. You have to earn your stripes and special teams is where Heyward will most likely pave his way to earn offensive snaps early on. Who knows, though, maybe he can be utilized in a couple 3 TE sets with Pat Freiermuth and Zach Gentry in a power heavy scheme? A football player will find a way, and that’s what I look for Heyward to do. It’s in his DNA, but that’s not the only place the proof is displayed.
Check out Heyward’s highlights below:
And the guy ran probably the smoothest gauntlet drill at the combine this year… I mean, what’s not to love? A guy that does it all, he can get down and dirty in the trenches with number two overall pass rushers and showcase superb hands and after the catch ability!
What do you think, SteelerNation? Will the Steelers be able to utilize Connor Heyward this season on special teams or even on the offensive side of the ball? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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