Steelers hybrid weapon puts NFL on notice with bold statement

The Steelers may quietly have one of the best young group of offensive weapons in the league but one unlikely second-year player believes he is in store for a big season in 2023.

"There is not a linebacker in this league who can cover me," FB/TE hybrid Connor Heyward told reporters. "I'm serious."

It's a bold statement by Heyward who doesn't have a defined role in Pittsburgh's offense. 

He played a little bit of tight end and fullback as a rookie, posting 12 catches for 151 yards and one touchdown as well as two rushes for 27 yards in 2022.

The 24-year-old was the Steelers' sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and spent most of his collegiate career at Michigan State as a running back before switching to tight end his senior year.

However, signs are pointing towards Heyward switching back to being a ball carrier/blocker after Pittsburgh drafted TE Darnell Washington with its third-round pick in this year's draft and re-signed TE Zach Gentry this offseason.

The Steelers also opted to not re-sign FB Derek Watt who spent the past three years in Pittsburgh.

Heyward may still be searching for his role in the Steelers offense, but he certainly doesn't lack confidence, and as the younger brother of DT Cameron Heyward, he clearly has the genetics to be successful in the NFL.