An early re-drafting of the Steelers 2022 NFL draft class

Steelers round 6

Original Pick: Connor Heyward, FB, Michigan St.

My Pick: Chasen Hines, IOL, LSU

This is another case of me liking the prospect but not sure about the fit with Connor Heyward. Unfortunately, he isn’t a great value in the sixth round though like Austin was in the fourth. While I do believe that Heyward can carve out a career with the Steelers, it will take some creativity. I’m just not sure the team will use him like he should be utilized.

A player that went just a few picks after Heyward was Chasen Hines. A short and stout guard, I had a fifth-round grade on him based on his play. He isn’t much of an athlete or a pass blocker, but he is a mauling run blocker who can open holes for running backs. Assuming his pass blocking is coached up, he can and should become an average guard in this league and at worse, a more than capable backup.

The Steelers don’t have a huge need along the interior of their line this season but landing a capable starter for the long term would have been a help. James Daniels has center capability, so he could have kicked inside there if Hines was ready to start sooner than later. Heyward was a fun college player to watch and should be a good special teams player, but I’m not sure the offense will know how to properly use him going forward.