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Silver And Black Pride fantasy football takes on Connor Heyward
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Silver And Black Pride about Connor Heyward.
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All Silver And Black Pride insights about Connor Heyward
PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026
Positioned as TE3 or potential second tight end option with Bowers out. Brock Bowers expects Heyward to be deployed similarly to how Kyle Shanahan uses Kyle Juszczyk in San Francisco—as an in-line tight end in 21 personnel packages to run 12 personnel formations. Heyward played both tight end and fullback at Michigan State and was used in-line during his first couple of seasons with Pittsburgh Steelers, giving him similar traits to Juszczyk. Brock Bowers notes Heyward has diverse skill set and could see increased passing game usage compared to blocker-type Ian Thomas, potentially eliminating the need for a practice squad call-up.NegativeMatchupSep 7, 2026
Heyward, the Raiders' fullback, is positioned to provide hardnosed lead blocking for Kubiak's running backs (Ashton Jeanty and rookie Mike Washington Jr.). The eventual meeting between Heyward and Jordyn Brooks will be one to watch, as Brooks' ability to diagnose run plays quickly and his size and speed allow him to blow up downhill blocking schemes.PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026
Signed to 2-year, $5.5M deal ($2M guaranteed) by Raiders as fullback in March 2026; Kubiak views him as a versatile four-core special teams contributor who plays tight end, fullback, and pass-protects. Heyward is 6-foot, 230 pounds with mentality for selfless blocking and opening lanes; deployed in preseason with starting RB Ashton Jeanty and rookie Mike Washington Jr., initially lining up as tight end before motion shifts him to traditional lead-blocking fullback role to block linebackers and defensive backs. Also lined up at tight end for catches in second preseason game.PositiveBreakoutAug 17, 2026
Free-agent fullback signing possesses a unique skill set similar to Kyle Juszczyk—tight end background with passing-game impact and lead-blocking ability. With Patrick Ricard moving to the Giants, the AFC fullback Pro Bowl slot opens up for competition. Heyward's tight-end versatility, combined with head coach Kubiak's connection to 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan (Kubiak's mentor), positions him for a breakout season. His father Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward's Pro Bowl pedigree adds name recognition.