Steelers Replace Connor Heyward With Indiana TE

Sep 20, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) runs for a touchdown past Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Kaleb Patterson (1) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Steelers Replace Connor Heyward With Indiana TE

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jack Markowski | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 3:21 PM ET

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After trading back with the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made their fifth-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

At No. 169 overall, the Steelers selected Indiana tight end Riley Nowakowski, who is a natural Connor Heyward replacement.

By moving down eight spots from No. 161 with the Chiefs, Pittsburgh swapped No. 249, one of its three seventh-rounders, for a sixth-round pick that sits at No. 210.

The Steelers had not been in possession of a sixth-round selection after trading No. 216 and No. 99 to the Seattle Seahawks on Day 2 of the draft to move up to No. 96 and select Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker.

A great blocker who also has the potential to make an impact as a receiving option, Nowakowski joins a strong tight end room that includes Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.

Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Nowakowski Reacts to Being Picked by Steelers

Speaking with reporters after being picked, Nowakowski explained that he's open to playing wherever the Steelers need him to and dove into his overall mindset on the field.

"I've been used almost everywhere," Nowakowski said. "I played fullback, I played in-line tight end, did a lot of H-back work too. I've done a little bit of everything, and I think that is extremely helpful because I feel comfortable in any position. I would say I'm a physical, relentless, just blue collar, gritty guy. I just like to show up to work and get things done. I don't really like to do anything too special. I'm not big on flair or anything. I probably won't have any cool touchdown celebrations. But I'm going to go in there and I'm going to give everything I've got every day. "

Nowakowski also spoke about how special the moment and realization of being drafted by Pittsburgh was while being surrounded by his family and friends.

"It was just a very emotional moment, just all the hard work that's gone in throughout the years, all these people here that have supported me throughout the year," Nowakowski said. "Just being able to celebrate with them and hear my name called is definitely something special."

Nowakowski, who began his collegiate career as a linebacker at Wisconsin in 2020, recorded 387 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 16 catches for Indiana this past season.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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