2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Connor Heyward
- Position: Tight End
- School: Michigan State
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 230lbs
Film Watched: Pitt 2021, Maryland 2021
Pro's:
- Workhorse tight end with team-centric mentality
- Converted from running back his final year at East Lansing to help the offense
- Excellent hands – catches everything thrown his way
- Unfazed by contact and maintains his trajectory despite attention early in his route
- High motor, 100% effort guy – gives everything he’s got as a blocker
- Has the vision and understanding to pick up blitzes as a h-back
- Brings RB experience to the position – a danger with the ball in his hands
- Special teams standout
Con's:
- Undersized, with a frame that needs serious work
- Skinny bottom half – has problems maintaining blocks for a significant length of time
- Short arms and size cause issues in pass protection – manipulated at the point of engagement
- Raw as a receiver, particularly route running. No nuance, curves his breaks, little separation
- Limited straight line speed. Not a candidate for attacking the deep field
The Verdict:
“If character was the only measurement draft prospects needed, Connor Heyward would be a day one pick. Not many players change position at the behest of their coaches purely to help the team, but that’s what Heyward did - and with some success too. Despite the lack of experience, he carved out a role as a h-back tight end that took the transferable skills from his running back background and applied them where possible. In terms of effort, Heyward leaves it all on the field, but understandably he’s raw in his application. The continued development as a blocker will no doubt improve, and he has sufficient hands to be a pass catcher, but limited athleticism and undesirable measurements limit his potential. Heyward’s best hope of a roster spot lies in his special teams prowess for a team willing to carry a fourth tight end.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
PREDICTION: UDFA
5/5