Best and worst traits of each Pittsburgh Steelers rookie draft pick

Steelers HB Connor Heyward

Best trait: Versatility, toughness

Connor Heyward is a true H-back in every sense of the term. Heyward can block like a full-back and catch like a tight end. All the while, the team will have the flexibility to put him in motion before the snap and line him up at multiple positions — knowing he can handle his assignments.

In addition to having the flexibility to play anything from running back to tight end, Heyward is as tough as they come. During his tape against Michigan, he was asked to single-block Aidan Hutchinson on multiple occasions and did a great job holding his own.

Worst trait: Compact frame, athletic limitations

Even for an H-back, Heyward has a short, compact frame. At just over 5’11” with a tiny 76 1/4” wingspan, you would like to see him have a little more size and length to help him in both blocking and receiving.

Heyward is also a pretty limited athlete despite his size. His 4.72 speed is average for a tight end and slow for a running back. The Michigan State product is a smooth mover but doesn’t have a lot of burst or exposition to his game.