Michigan State Football: Predicting where Spartans land in 2022 NFL Draft

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first half touchdown with Jalen Nailor #8 and Connor Heyward #11 while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Michigan State’s Connor Heyward breaks a Nebraska tackle after a catch during the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210925 Msu Nebraska 182a /

Round 7: Connor Heyward, FB/H-Back

A year ago, I would have laughed at you if you told me that Connor Heyward was going to be a draft prospect and likely to hear his name called by the end of Round 7.

Heyward struggled as a running back at Michigan State and after a position change, he seemed to have found his footing and some confidence. He looked like an entirely different player as an H-back for the Spartans in 2021 and improved his draft stock immensely.

The brother of Cam Heyward of the Steelers went from transfer portal possibility to staple of Michigan State’s offense and serious NFL draft prospect in just one year. Mel Tucker moving him to a different position seemed to have salvaged his draft stock and he was one of the fan favorites in East Lansing this past season.

Heyward actually finished the year with 35 catches for 326 yards and two touchdowns, including a big one in the Peach Bowl. He was also a fantastic blocker.

I could see him going in the seventh round and why not join his brother in Pittsburgh?

Prediction: Steelers (No. 225 overall)

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