Rookies that could have bigger roles with the Steelers in year two

Heyward will have his role grow after an impressive end to his season

Other than selecting quarterback Chris Oladokun with the final pick, many saw the selection of Connor Heyward as a wasted pick. He is the younger brother of the Steelers star player, Cam Heyward. Most did not see how the younger Heyward would be able to fit into this team this season and beyond.

He was drafted out of Michigan State as a tight end, but he played running back and full back at the collegiate level as well. His rookie year saw him mostly playing on special teams before slowly graduating to a bigger role on offense. This rookie might have been seen as a wasted pick, but he has started to make positive momentum into his sophomore year.

Down the stretch of his rookie campaign, Heyward was able to make some significant plays on offense. He made some spectacular catches when he had his number called and sealed some wins with a run here and there. Zach Gentry is a free agent, so if he departs then that opens the door for Heyward to have a larger role in 2023. Even if Gentry would return to the Steelers for next season, Heyward should see a bigger role on offense in a swiss-army-knife position.

The Steelers rookie class had some impressive impacts during their first year in the NFL. It seems likely that this team will count on these players to take a big step forward during their second time around.