Steelers' replacement for key position may have been accidentally unveiled
When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Connor Heyward in the sixth round of last years draft, many thought it was just another brotherly reunion, as he is the younger brother of Steelers legend Cam Heyward. But Connor (Heyward) played a valuable role at tight end down the stretch, leaving some to scratch their heads when Pittsburgh […]
When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Connor Heyward in the sixth round of last years draft, many thought it was just another brotherly reunion, as he is the younger brother of Steelers legend Cam Heyward.
But Connor (Heyward) played a valuable role at tight end down the stretch, leaving some to scratch their heads when Pittsburgh selected Darnell Washington.
Today I'm going to tell why it's a part of a bigger plan for Heyward, with a friendly picture peeling back the curtain on what could be a new position.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the players in the picture, that's the Steelers tight end group. The problem is, Connor Heyward, whos officially listed as a tight end, happens to be missing.
That's where the question that Kozora posed and the subsequent message comes from, as it's very possible that Heyward is no longer a tight end but a fullback instead.
This is actually not so far-fetched when you peel back the layers of this onion. For one, the former player that filled the fullback position was Derek Watt.
I say former because as of this post, Watt still remains a free agent, with Pittsburgh having plenty of opportunities to resign the bruising Badger from Wisconsin.
The second reason why this works is that Heyward is experienced at the position, having played the H-back role during his time in East Lansing with Michigan State.
And when some thought the addition of Darnell Washington, and re-signing of Zach Gentry spelled trouble for Heyward at the tight end position, I thought Shannon White of Behind The Steel Curtain explained things perfectly:
The author incorrectly assumed that Washington is a threat to Connor Heyward's roster spot, mainly because he inaccurately labels Connor as a tight end. Heyward is actually a versatile H-back. Heyward can give the Steelers effective minutes at multiple positions; tight end, full back, and special teams. He can easily be moved around multiple formations; in the backfield, in motion, and out of the slot.
Not to toot my own horn here, but I actually predicted this scenario in my way too early 53 man roster projection after draft weekend, when I slotted Heyward in as the fourth running back and said:
"I have Heyward with this group because I believe he will double as a fullback and tight end, making him an easier choice to keep on the roster as the 4th back."
So while Derek Watt may not be the one leading the way in two back sets anymore, Steelers fans can rest assured another brother will fill the role, likely by way of Connor Heyward.
