Connor Heyward could make significant impact on Steelers offense this year, says insider

Pittsburgh Steelers insider Brooke Pryor says that tight end Connor Heyward could have a significant impact on the Steelers’ offense in 2023.

A sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Michigan State, Heyward flashed some of his talent as a rookie and is now taking strides in the offseason. This should make him a potential breakout star on the offensive side of the ball.

“Entering his second season, the younger brother of Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is primed for an even bigger role,” Pryor wrote. “He made the most of playing 15% of offensive snaps last season, catching 12 of 17 targets and hauling in a touchdown.”

According to Pryor, one of the biggest things going for Heyward is his relationship with second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. The two have been working together a lot this offseason. That’s helped them build their chemistry and make him a likely player to fill the gap left by Derek Watt.

While he’s listed as a tight end, Heyward is undersized for the position at the NFL level. However, given his skillset, it makes sense to use him as a fullback when necessary.

“His chemistry with quarterback Kenny Pickett continued through the spring, and with Derek Watt’s departure, Heyward could fill the role as the team’s primary fullback and see time as an undersized yet strong tight end.”

As a rookie, Heyward appeared in 17 games without making a single start. In that time, he snagged 12 completions for 151 yards and a touchdown. That’s about 12.6 yards per reception. He also had two rushing attempts for 27 yards.

Cam Heyward says the sky is the limit for Kenny Pickett

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward says that the sky is the limit for second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, with one condition.

“Going into the second year for our quarterback, I think the sky’s the limit for him. I think Kenny has done a tremendous job to get us to this point. But I know he’s chomping at the bit for more. He’s a hungry quarterback. Anytime it wasn’t going his way, he never felt out of sorts or like the moment was too big for him,” Heyward said.

“Every time we’ve needed a big drive at the end of a game, he was able to answer the call and answer the bell. I just look forward to him not waiting for the fourth quarter, let’s get off the bus doing that.”