Every NFL team needs a secret weapon. A player who can play a number of roles and provide a spark. This guy can be on either side of the football but we typically see it on offense. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that could be hybrid fullback/tight end Connor Heyward.
ESPN named Heyward the surprise offseason standout for Pittsburgh. Steelers reporter Bev Pryor offered up this excellent breakdown of Heyward:
Entering his second season, the younger brother of Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is primed for an even bigger role. He made the most of playing 15% of offensive snaps last season, catching 12 of 17 targets and hauling in a touchdown. His chemistry with quarterback Kenny Pickett continued through the spring, and with Derek Watt’s departure, Heyward could fill the role as the team’s primary fullback and see time as an undersized yet strong tight end.
The only thing that is going to hold Heyward back this season might be offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s lack of imagination. Heyward has extensive experience at running back and tight end during his time at Michigan State and offers a ton of scheme flexibility.
Heyward might have only played 15 percent of the offensive snaps but most of those came late in the year and it seemed he was good for a big play or two each week, mainly in the passing game. I’d love to see Heyward in the backfield with either Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren to offer more flexibility in the run game as well.
