Initial grades for all 7 of the Steelers 2022 draft picks

Steelers pick 208

Grade: C-

A player that I really like but feel like went a round early, Connor Heyward was a productive college player who will wear a lot of hats at the next level. While a tight end technically at Michigan St., Heyward was also used as a runner, lead blocker, and red zone threat. There are concerns about what his instant impact will be on the offense, but he has some good traits to work with.

His size will likely limit how much traditional tight end he plays, and fullback is likely his best long-term answer for a position, but Heyward is a dynamic offensive weapon. The Spartans got the ball in his hands often and he made the most of those opportunities. Add in his special team’s ability and he will be an easy player to argue to keep on the roster this season.

The reason the grade is so low is the perceived value (would have preferred him in the seventh round) and due to Derek Watt currently being the team’s fullback. Perhaps the team keeps both and only rosters two tight ends? Heyward could be an interesting pseudo third tight end/fullback early in his career. It will be interesting to see how he sticks, but there is a lot of potential with this pick.