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DT Cameron Heyward (6x Pro Bowl, 3x All Pro, Pittsburgh Steelers)

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The Shutdown 40: #28 - Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
By Doug Farrar

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With the 2010 NFL season in the books, it's time to turn our eyes to the NFL draft, and the pre-draft evaluation process. Before the 2011 scouting combine begins on Feb. 24, we'll be taking a closer look at the 40 draft-eligible players who may be the biggest difference-makers when all is said and done.

We continue our series with Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward. In four seasons and 45 starts for the Buckeyes, the son of former NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward amassed 157 tackles (77 solo), 38 tackles for loss (30 solo), 13 solo sacks, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one interception.

Heyward's 2010 season was a bit of a disappointment after his breakout 2009 campaign (46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks in 2009/42 tackles, 9.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks in 2010), but nobody questions his effort. Heyward is not Vernon Gholston(notes), the sequel; he's a versatile player in need of the right NFL situation. What does the tape tell us?

Pros: Played all over the line at Ohio State; basically every position but nose tackle. Great fit for any hybrid defense at 6-foot-5, 288 pounds. As the end in a four-man front, he presses the edge inside very well and can fan back out quickly to catch up to the ballcarrier. But as a 3-4 end (which may be his optimal NFL position), he gets under the pads of tackles very quickly, winning the leverage battle and making life difficult for enemy quarterbacks. Could be a real nightmare for opposing linemen in stunts and loops because he's so quick in a short area at the line (the proverbial "phone booth quickness").

As a tackle (one- or three-tech), he displays a decent ability to sift through traffic, though his initial burst off the ball isn't elite; he's more apt to build up momentum from the line to the quarterback. Better explosiveness shading over center; seems to get a bit more lost and late off the snap as a three-tech.

Cons: His sideline-to-sideline speed isn't exceptional at all -- if he's hitting full speed chasing outside, it's a real concern based on the tape I've seen. Though he has impressive strength overall, he gets taken out too easily by cut blocks and redirected by double-teams. Spin move to get out of blocks works well, but he doesn't show a lot of hand moves to blow past blockers, and I don't see a repeatable ability to slide off blocks and continue pursuit. Tends to get so focused on his one-on-one battle that the play will go right past him at times, and I'd like to see him be a bit quicker to disengage from blocks.

Conclusion: The more I watch Heyward, the more I'm convinced that he could be an elite 3-4 end with a few modifications. He might play better in the flex position (the Broncos do this a lot -- they alternate their defensive linemen at the line and about a half-yard back) -- it would give him additional time to diagnose the action and get his momentum going. He did a lot of good things in college, but I could see the right kind of NFL defensive coordinator getting hold of him, teaching him some additional moves, and unleashing a beast on the pros in a couple years. The work ethic and attitude are there; now the NFL needs to meet Cameron Heyward halfway.
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http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/sh...-40-28-Cameron-Heyward-DE-Ohio?urn=nfl-321701
16) Cameron Heyward/DL/Ohio State: Heyward is not as flashy as many of the highly rated defensive linemen, rather just a good football player who does the little things well.
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Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...-nfl-draft-prospects/index.html#ixzz1EE4uJcEr


Kiper has Cam going in first round to Steelers....

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=KiperMockDraft2.0
 
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y0yoyoin;1875172; said:
i would hope the browns do not make a mistake again on passing on a dominant defensive player from ohio state in the 2nd round...if Heyward is still there i hope we grab him, even if we just took another DE/DT in the first round
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If he is available for the Browns in the second round and they pass on him I might have to give up being a Browns fan. One of my biggest disappointments with the Browns in recent history is that they don't seem to want to draft Buckeyes. Give me Green in the first round, Casey Matthews somewhere in the middle and fill out the rest of the draft with Buckeyes and I'd be happy.
 
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Heyward glad he stayed at OSU
Defensive lineman's draft stock fell during his senior season
Thursday, February 24, 2011
By Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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Neal C. Lauron | Dispatch
Cameron Heyward's numbers fell in his senior season at OSU, and he suffered an elbow injury in the Sugar Bowl.

Based solely on his draft stock, Cameron Heyward's decision to return for his senior season looks like a mistake.

The defensive lineman had a breakout junior year in 2009 for Ohio State. The talk was that he was a sure first-round pick, maybe in the top 15 overall.

But his numbers slipped this past season (from 6.5 sacks in 2009 to 3.5), and he suffered a hyperextended elbow in the Sugar Bowl that required surgery.

Now, it appears that although he could still sneak into the end of the first round, the second round is a distinct possibility.

That's not the way it is supposed to work. Most players who choose to return assume it will boost their draft prospects.

But these decisions are not made on football alone. No one can take away what Heyward got to experience as a co-captain of a team that briefly ascended to No. 1 last year and finished 12-1, with a sixth straight Big Ten title, seventh straight win over Michigan and a groundbreaking bowl victory over a Southeastern Conference team (Arkansas).

"Honestly, I don't care what they (draft experts) think," Heyward said recently from Phoenix, where he was rehabilitating and preparing for the NFL combine, which began yesterday in Indianapolis.

"Going back for my senior year, I really do appreciate that," he said. "I got to lead a team and be part of something special. You only get that once. I can't really complain about it."

Cont...
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http://www.dispatch.com/live/conten...24/heyward-glad-he-stayed-at-osu.html?sid=101
 
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Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward
Heyward underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow and does not consider it a very big deal -- "I'm not a pitcher, so I should be back a little sooner" -- but for a prospect likely to play the 5-technique in a 3-4 scheme it could be a big deal.

Players at that position take on a lot of blocks and have to be strong in the upper body to hold the point of attack, so how Heyward checks out at the combine will go a long way toward deciding where he comes off the board. He dominated at times in college but he also disappeared at times, and with eight other defensive ends carrying first-round grades at this point, Heyward could fall into the second round if he is unable to work out fully and prove his health. However, when he does get back to full strength Heyward has the potential to become an impact player if he can play with more consistent effort and technique.
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http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=combinepreview
 
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Cameron Heyward: ?I want to leave a legacy of my own?
02.26.11
By DJ Bean

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Ohio State DL Cameron Heyward (WEEI.com photo)

INDIANAPOLIS ? Having the NFL in one?s blood never hurts, but for Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, it isn?t everything.

Heyward, a potential first round pick whose abilities could project him to play the five-technique for a team like the Patriots, is the son of running back Craig ?Ironhead? Heyward, who played for a number of teams over his career in the late ?80s and the ?90s. He appreciates his father?s experience and any advice he?s been given, but the lineman wants to be more than just the son of a professional.

?I want to leave a legacy of my own,? Heyward said. ?I don?t want to live in his shadow, but he was a great player. He?s always in my heart, and I appreciate everything he?s done, but I want to do everything on my own.

?I?m not asking anybody to give me a second look or anything just because my dad was Ironhead, but they all know I have a big head like him.?

Heyward knows that despite playing a totally different position, the mere fact that he?s Ironhead?s son will lead to added pressure at the next level. He said Saturday that he ?hopes? that?s the case.

?I want to perform well and wouldn?t have it any other way,? he said. ?If guys are expecting a lot out of me, so be it, because I?m a guy that?s going to produce and give it all I?ve got.?

Heyward, who just got cleared to begin running last week, said he is disappointed that he is not working out working out in Indianapolis, as he is coming off UCL reconstruction. His Pro Day is on March 30.

?It?s getting better,? he said, adding that he?ll be completely ?back in three months.?
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http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports...n-heyward-i-want-to-leave-a-legacy-of-my-own/

Heyward looks part as 3-4 end for Pats
February, 26, 2011
By Mike Reiss

INDIANAPOLIS -- When Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward stepped to the interview podium here are the Combine, one thought came to mind: NFL-type size.

This reminded me of something Bill Belichick has said in the past: Part of the reason so many big, athletic defensive linemen are selected in the first round is because it's rare to find them. When they're available, teams usually pounce.

Heyward, who impressed scouts with a strong performance in the Sugar Bowl against Arkansas, would seem to fall into that category this year.

The son of late NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, he was impressive in his 12-minute media interview today. From a pure interview perspective, it's easy to see why some teams will like him.

"I?m a guy with a very high motor and I?m going to give you all I got," Heyward said. "You?ll see all my pass-rush moves. I might not have gotten there every time, but I?m going to continue to work on my pass rush and continue to get better.?

Heyward is not working out at the Combine after undergoing left elbow surgery (UCL reconstruction) on Jan.12.

?It?s getting better. I got my full motion back already," he said. "It hurts a lot because I really want to be out here [working out] right now. I wish I could be competing my butt off right now, because I?m itching at this chance. I?m salivating. It?s a great opportunity to be here, to get to see all these great guys and great competition, you want to be a part of it.?

Heyward explained that he's played end and tackle in a 4-3 defense. When Ohio State moved to a 3-4 on third down, he'd play end. Although his statistics don't jump off the page, he believes that his position flexibility -- a buzzword often spoken by the Patriots -- will help him.

"It makes me able to pick out different things," he said. "I?m not just going to be set in one thing. I?m able to help a lot more and there are a lot of teams that do both."
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http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-...693505/heyward-looks-part-as-3-4-end-for-pats
DE Heyward on his rehab
Posted by Chris Brown on February 26, 2011
Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward won?t be working out here at the NFL combine following surgery to repair a UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) in his elbow. He gave an update on his rehab schedule moving forward.

?It?s getting better,? said Heyward of his elbow. ?I?ve got full motion back in it already. I?m a little disappointed that I don?t get to work out here. My pro day is March 30th and I?m getting better every day. I recently had UCL reconstruction and I?ll be back in three months. They won?t have me benching, but I?m already starting to lift. I just got cleared to run last week.?

Heyward weighed in at 294 pounds and is forecast as a late first-round pick.
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http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2011/02/26/de-heyward-on-his-rehab/

Combine
Ironhead’s son says he’s his own man
By NFL.com Staff
Published: February 26th, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — Like father, like son? Not for Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.

First off, he stands 6-foot-5, six inches taller than his late father, running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, who died of a brain tumor in 2006. Second, he hopes his skills and not his last name are what attract attention from NFL teams.

“I can’t follow it; it’s his legacy,” Heyward said during his news conference at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday. “I want to leave a legacy of my own. I don’t want to live in his shadow, but he was a great player.

“He’s always in my heart, and I appreciate everything he’s done, but I want to do everything by my own,” Heyward added. “I’m not asking anybody to give me a second look or anything because my dad was ‘Ironhead.’ They all know I have a big head, just like him.”

Heyward’s father rushed for 4,301 yards and 30 touchdowns with the Saints, Bears, Falcons, Rams and Colts from 1988 to 1998. During the draft process, Heyward has enjoyed meeting his dad’s former teammates and competitors.

“It’s funny to hear stories about him,” Heyward said. “I remember hearing a story about him and Tony Siragusa. It was hilarious. To see those guys around, it’s a true pleasure because you get to hear all these stories about your dad, and it gives you great moments about him.

“I don’t think I can share it right now,” he added with smile.

With a well-known last name, Heyward is accustomed to hearing comparisons. However, he doesn’t shy away from any of the expectations that might come from potentially being a second-generation professional football player.

“I hope I’ve got pressure, that’s one thing,” he said. “I’m hoping I’ve got a little bit of pressure behind me because I want to perform well, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If guys are expecting a lot out of me, so be it, because I’m a guy that’s going to produce and give it all I’ve got.”
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http://blogs.nfl.com/2011/02/26/ironheads-son-says-hes-his-own-man/
 
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Like his late father, 'Ironhead' Heyward, Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward could be a good fit with New Orleans Saints
Published: Saturday, February 26, 2011
By Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

INDIANAPOLIS - Of all the defensive end prospects we've heard from today at the NFL scouting combine, the guy who stood out to me most was Ohio State's Cameron Heyward -- for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, he would seemingly be a great fit in the New Orleans Saints' 4-3 defense, where he projects as a bona fide end at 6 feet 5, 294 pounds, with the versatility to slide inside or play end in 3-4 alignments.

Secondly, he is the son of former Saints cult hero Craig "Ironhead" Heyward and actually spent the first four years of his life in New Orleans before growing up in Atlanta as close friends with Bobby Hebert's son, T-Bob.

He also had an impressive presence at the podium, mixing confidence and humor. Although his draft stock may have dipped when he went back to Ohio State for his senior year, his leadership qualities were likely enhanced.

Heyward grew up in and around NFL locker rooms and always seemed destined for a NFL career - though he said he preferred to draw and play basketball in his younger years.

Though he admires his father, who died of a brain tumor in 2006 at the age of 39, Heyward said he wants to make his own legacy in the NFL.

"I don't want to live in his shadow," Heyward said. "He was a great player and he's always in my heart. I appreciate everything he's done. But I want to do everything by my own. I'm not asking anybody to give me a second look or anything just because my dad was 'Ironhead.'"

Although, Heyward added, "They all know I have a big head just like him."

Heyward said he chose to play at Ohio State instead of Pitt because Pitt was "my dad's school." However, he insisted that he would be perfectly happy to follow his dad's footsteps to New Orleans, where he could join former Buckeyes Will Smith and Malcolm Jenkins - two former first-round picks who have paid off for the Saints.

"It's fine with me. Gold and black, I'll do it," Heyward said. "Malcolm is there and Will Smith is there, and I know a couple guys well. If I got a chance to play for that team, I would truly cherish it because it's a great opportunity."

Cont...
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http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/02/like_his_late_father_ironhead.html

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGMQpDmvAgI"]YouTube - Heyward on NFL Pressure & His Father[/ame]
 
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You know, with Cam, there's really no "risk." He is as close to a sure thing as there is, in my opinion. He may not end up being a dominant player (he could be), but I think the chance of him not being a starter for most of his career is very slim.

So, some team is going to take their sure fire starter and be content with knowing that position is filled for quite awhile.
 
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