NFL Draft Grades 2022: Re-grading the Pittsburgh Steelers draft one year later

Steelers TE Connor Heyward

I have to admit that I was pretty skeptical when the Steelers spent a sixth-round pick on Connor Heyward. Obviously, the first thought many of us had was that he was selected because his older Brother Cameron is one of the most important players on the team. This might not have been the case.

Though the Steelers do value strong family ties and bloodlines as much as any organization, it's looking like they certainly made the right decision with Heyward. Despite having the body of a full-back and the look of a player who might be stuck in between positions, the rookie tight end was fantastic during his rookie year.

Though his usage was very limited, Heyward snagged 12 of 17 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown. His 8.9 yards per target trailed only George Pickens on the team last season. Again, this is a very small sample size, but Heyward made the most of every opportunity.

With a strong rookie season in which Heyward displayed his football intelligence and willingness to wear multiple hats, Pittsburgh could look for him to serve a bigger role in 2023. This is a pick I would want the team to make again, and for a sixth-rounder, this is all you could ask for.

Grade: A-