Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward has proved to be worth every bit of being selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. At the time, there was skepticism on if the pick was a reach or not. He was linked to the Steelers all throughout the pre-draft process. As we've come to know with the black and gold, bloodlines matter when it comes to the NFL Draft. His brother, Cameron, having already been on the team, certainly didn't hurt his case, but Connor's been able to make a name for himself. Coming into the pros, people didn't know how truly talented he was, just based off his limited production in college at Michigan State.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 30: Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the ball against Erick Hallett II #31 of the Pittsburgh Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images)
In five seasons in the Big 10, Heyward had 711 receiving yards and six touchdowns through the air. That wasn't all though, as he had even more rushing yards (825) as well as five more TDs on the ground. When drafted, many didn't know whether he'd be used more primarily as a tight end or as an H-back, his main position in college. While the latter still might come at some point, it seems he will mostly be a tight end in the NFL. The injury to starter Pat Freiermuth in camp opened the door for Heyward, who strived when he got first and second-team reps.
With a few weeks to go until the regular season, he has proved every doubter wrong. Sixth-round draft picks are far from a guarantee to make the opening day 53-man roster, but Heyward has done just that with a few weeks to go until the last roster cuts. That leaves Kevin Rader as the guy on the outside, as he'll likely end up on the practice squad as the team's fourth-string TE. Known as a blocker, Rader has spent nearly three seasons in Pittsburgh and has had troubles catching the ball at times in camp. While he may not make the 53-man roster, he would get another opportunity if/when an injury occurs in the TE room this season.
The same can be said for Zach Gentry, the team's No. 2 tight end behind Freiermuth. His drops have possibly opened the door for Heyward to earn some regular playing time in the regular season. For now, Gentry remains the primary backup, but Heyward could be used in obvious passing situations. Gentry, similar to Rader, has always been known more as a blocker.
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In Gentry's defense, he really came on in 2021 after a previously underwhelming career. He established himself as a legitimate backup in the NFL, and the Steelers now have one of the deeper TE corps in football. Gentry caught 19 passes for 167 yards in 2021 after he had just one career catch heading into the season. It seems the tight end trio will get extended playing time this season, and a lot of that has to do with their improved abilities to catch the ball. In years past, the team's backup TE options have been known as mostly blockers.
What are your expectations for Heyward in his first professional season? Do you think he can/will overtake Zach Gentry for the No. 2 TE? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!
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