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

[Buckskin86]

NFL combine notebook: Elbow injury was torn ligament, Heyward says
Sunday, February 27, 2011
By Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

INDIANAPOLIS - Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward revealed yesterday at the NFL combine that he suffered a more serious elbow injury in the Sugar Bowl than previously believed.

What was once described as a hyperextension actually was a torn ulnar collateral ligament. He underwent reconstructive surgery - commonly known as Tommy John surgery - on Jan. 12 and will not take part in any combine drills.

"I have all my movement back right now," Heyward said, extending his left arm, revealing a large scar. "But it hurts a lot, because I really want to be out here, and I wish I could be competing my butt off."

Heyward will not be recovered in time to participate in Ohio State's pro day March11, so he will have a separate pro day for scouts in Columbus on March 30. He said he still won't be bench-pressing, though.

Heyward suffered the injury in the second quarter of the bowl game, "but I finished the game."

http://www.dispatch.com/live/conten...y-was-torn-ligament-heyward-says.html?sid=101

NFL Scouting Combine notes: Elbow surgery limits Heyward's workouts

Ohio State lineman will hold own session March 30

By Marla Ridenour
and Nate Ulrich
Beacon Journal sports writers

Published on Sunday, Feb 27, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS: Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward revealed Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine that he underwent reconstructive elbow surgery Jan. 12 for an injury suffered against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.

Heyward said he had Tommy John surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.

Projected as a late first- to third-round pick in the draft in late April, Heyward will skip Ohio State's pro day March 11 and hold his own workout March 30. Even then, he won't be allowed to bench press.

''I'll be back in three months,'' Heyward said. ''I'm already starting to lift. I just got cleared to run last week. I've got my full motion back already.

''I'm a little disappointed I don't get to work out here. I wish I could be competing my butt off right now, because I'm itching at this chance. I'm salivating. To see all these great guys and great competition, you want to be a part of it.''

Heyward said he was hurt in the second quarter against the Razorbacks when he fell and tried to catch himself and another player fell on top of him, which ''tore some ligaments.'' He still finished the game.

At 6-foot-5 and 294 pounds, Heyward is considered best suited to play end in a 3-4 scheme. He said he has no preference on a defensive line position.

''Going to Ohio State, I've been in a 4-3 system where I can play end and tackle,'' he said. ''We went to a 3-4 on third down and I played end. You've seen my dropping abilities, they're pretty good. I can play all over the line, I can play nose tackle, line up at 3-technique and 6-technique. It might have hurt my numbers, but it shows I can be more versatile. It's only going to benefit me.''

Heyward was asked about following in the footsteps of his father, the late Craig ''Ironhead'' Heyward, who died at age 39 in 2006 after a seven-year battle with a brain tumor. Ironhead played fullback for the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams and Indianapolis Colts.

''I want to leave a legacy of my own,'' Heyward said. ''I don't want to live in his shadow. 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 just because my dad was 'Ironhead.' But they all know I have a big head just like him.''

http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/117003063.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Player whose presence stood out -- Cameron Heyward. Of all the players I sat in on interviews, Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward stands out for a combination of impressive size (6-5, 294) and intellect. He has football in the bloodlines as his father is the late Craig "Ironhead" Heyward. The big questions entering the draft with Heyward will be medical-based (Tommy John elbow surgery in January), and if he checks out and works out well, I wouldn't be surprised if he starts rising up some boards.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-.../_/id/4693585/final-thoughts-from-the-combine

Heyward's son wants to make NFL on his own
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

INDIANAPOLIS ? Defensive end Cameron Heyward, son of former Falcons great Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, doesn't want to rely on the family name to make it in the NFL.

"I want to leave a legacy of my own," said Heyward, who went to Atlanta's Whitfield Academy and Peachtree Ridge High School before attending Ohio State. "I don't want to live in his shadow."

Heyward is meeting with teams at the NFL scouting combine, but is limited in drill participation because of an elbow injury.

Most teams still want to know about his father, who passed away in 2006 from a brain tumor. The elder Heyward played 11 seasons in the NFL and was known for his bruising running style. He rushed for 4,301 yards and played for the Falcons from 1994 to 1996.

"He was a great player and he's always in my heart," Heyward said. "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. They all know I have a big head just like him."

Heyward is rated as the 30th-best player in the draft by nfldraftscout.com. If that ranking holds, he'll be on the board when the Falcons select with the 27th pick.

"I don't know where I'm going to go, but I'm just approaching this with the best attitude," Heyward said. "If I go in the second round, it doesn't matter because it's been a great opportunity and not a lot of people say they can play in the NFL."

http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/heywards-son-wants-to-855230.html

Bevy of defensive ends could intrigue Steelers
By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, February 28, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS -- If the Steelers stay true to their drafting philosophy of taking the best player available, they could select a defensive end with their first-round pick in April.

And there may be several enticing options for them at the bottom of the first round, including Ohio State's Cameron Heyward.

Heyward's father's, the late Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, starred as a running back at Pitt in the 1980s and then played for more than a decade in the NFL.

Heyward died of cancer in May 2006.

"He was a great player, and he's always in my heart," Heyward said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "I appreciate what he's done, but I'm not asking anybody to give me a second look or anything just because my dad was 'Ironhead.' "

Lineage is hardly the reason teams will give Heyward a long look leading up to the draft.

The 6-foot-5, 294-pounder had a solid career at Ohio State, with some spectacular moments spliced in during his time in Columbus.

Heyward did not get a chance to show much during the combine; he is still recovering from the elbow surgery he had in the mid-January. Heyward said he tore ligaments in the second quarter of Ohio State's 31-26 win over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.

"But I finished the game," he said.

Heyward recently received clearance to start running and doing some light weightlifting. But he will still be limited during Ohio State's Pro Day at the end of March because of the length of his recovery process.

That may cause Heyward to slide in the draft, especially since it is such a deep class for defensive ends.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said as many as nine defensive ends could get taken in the first round. The Steelers took defensive end Ziggy Hood with their first-round pick two years ago, but they could still afford to get younger at the position.

"It's the best defensive end class I've seen," Mayock said.

That class includes the player who wants to be known as more than just Craig Heyward's son.

"I want to leave a legacy of my own," Heyward said.

Read more: Bevy of defensive ends could intrigue Steelers - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_724981.html#ixzz1FFsd7tbk

 

[Buckskin86]

NFL COMBINE: Q & A with Lil? Ironhead, Cam Heyward
March 1, 2011, by D. Orlando Ledbetter

INDIANAPOLIS ? Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward, the son of former Atlanta Falcons standout Craig ?Ironhead? Heyward, spoke to the media recently at the NFL scouting combine.

Heyward, who played at Whitfield Academy and Peachtree Ridge High, came off as a determined player, who can tell a good joke.

The room broke into laughter when he compared his head to his father?s. The elder Heyward passed away in 2006 after a seven year battle with brain tumors.

Here?s the best of Cam Heyward:

ON HIS PASS RUSHING STYLE: As a pass rusher for the next level, I think the things I bring to the table is that I?m a guy that likes to be physical with the pass blockers. I know I need to refine my techniques and continue to improve. I?m a guy that?s going to constantly hustle and just give it all I got.

Cameron Heyward picks up a fumble and returns it for a short gain. The defensive tackle who last week against Miami returned an interception 80 yards, called the short fumble recovery return "unacceptable." (Terry Gilliam, Associated Press)

Cameron Heyward picks up a fumble and returns it for a short gain. The defensive tackle who last week against Miami returned an interception 80 yards, called the short fumble recovery return "unacceptable." (Terry Gilliam, Associated Press)

AN UPDATE ON HIS INJURED ELBOW: It?s getting better. I got my full motion back already. I?m a little disappointed I don?t get to work out here. My Pro Day is March 30 and I?m getting better every day. I recently had UCL reconstruction and I?ll be back in three months. ? My surgery was January 12th and I?m getting healthy. It?s been an ongoing process. 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.

ON HIS FATHER: I can?t follow it. It?s his legacy. I want to be in the NFL, and he was there. I want to leave a legacy of my own. I don?t want to live in his shadow. 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?. They all know I have a big head just like him [media laughter].

ON HIS HOW HAS HIS DAD?S NFL EXPERIENCE HELPS HIM: I get to run into guys that he knew. It?s funny to hear stories about him. I remember hearing a story about him and Tony Siragusa. It was hilarious. To see those guys around, it?sa true pleasure, because you get to hear all these stories about your dad. It just gives you great [memories] about him.

ON PRESSURE OF BEING IRONHEAD?S SON: I hope I have pressure. That?s one thing, I?m hoping I have a little bit of pressure behind me because I want to perform well. 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 got.

ON WHY HE WON?T BE A BUST LIKE FORMER OHIO STATE DE VERNON GHOLSTON: We?re two totally different players. Vern, they had him dropping at linebacker. You?ve seen my dropping abilities, they?re pretty good [joking]. Me, I can play all over the line ? I can play 3-technique and 6-technique. We are two different players. We had the privilege of going to The Ohio State, but we?re not the same player. I?m never going to compare myself to him and I don?t think he?ll ever do the same.

ON IF HE HAS A SWEATER VEST LIKE OSU COACH JIM TRESSEL: The thing about Tress, coming into The Ohio State, I didn?t know where I was going to go. I didn?t know what I was going to do there. Things me and my mom really decided on coming to Ohio State were things off the field. We knew coaches weren?t guys on the field, and he really taught about being the complete person and having a good physical and having good academics, having good morals and having a spiritual part of you. Just being a good family person and I think you need all those things to be a complete person, and it will lead to being a better player on the field as well.

Cont...

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcon...m-heyward/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog

 

[norsk]

What fantastic answers by Cam, I'd say he handled it like a pro..but I think he handled it better than most. Definitely the kind of Buckeye that makes the program proud and gives tOSU a good name.

 

[Buckskin86]

DT Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
Heyward underwent reconstructive elbow surgery (Tommy John surgery) on his left elbow on Jan. 12 and did not participate in any portion of the workouts at the combine. He'll also miss Ohio State's March 11 pro day but is hoping to go through a personal workout on March 30.

The injury is a concern because Heyward projects as a 5-technique in a 3-4 scheme, where he will be asked to take on blocks and use his upper body to help him hold up at the point of attack. He was on the fringe of the first round before the injury, and in an extraordinarily deep defensive end class he now projects to come off the board in Round 2.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=6181231

CAMERON HEYWARD - DL
Height- 6’5”
Weight- 294lbs
Arms- 34 ?”
Hands- 10 1/8”
Vertical- 30.0

http://www.the-ozone.net/football/2011/combineresults.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Cameron Heyward on track for March 30 Pro Day workout
Posted by Mike Florio on March 7, 2011

Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward, the son of the late NFL and Pitt standout Craig ?Ironheard? Heyward, continues to recover from Tommy John surgery on his elbow in January.

Though he?ll miss the March 11 Pro Day workout in Columbus, he?ll have a full Pro Day session on March 30 at OSU.

All 32 NFL teams have been informed of the development.

Michael Perrett of SportsTrust Advisors tells PFT that Heyward has had full range of motion for ?a few weeks,? and he already has resumed lifting. ?He is definitely ahead of schedule recovery wise,? Perrett said. ?After surgery, Dr. Andrews tabbed it as an 8-12 week recovery period depending on how fast he heals . . . looks like he is a fast healer.?

Silva has Heyward going to the Packers with the last pick in round one in his second mock draft.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...eyward-on-track-for-march-30-pro-day-workout/

 

[Buckskin86]

Cameron Heyward has Jim Tressel?s back
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on March 9, 2011

Former Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward joined PFT Live on Wednesday to discuss his college career and preparation for the NFL Draft.

But we couldn?t have the Buckeye on the program without asking him about one of the big hot topics.

Heyward told Florio that he supports embattled Ohio State coach Jim Tressel no matter what happens, and said that everyone makes mistakes.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/09/cameron-heyward-has-jim-tressels-back/

PFT Live: Cameron Heyward on Ohio State controversy
Posted by NBCSports.com on March 9, 2011

Former Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward joined Mike Florio in the second segment of PFT Live. Heyward talks about preparing for the NFL Draft, whether he prefers a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, his impressions of former Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett and more. He also talks about the controversy swirling around the Buckeyes and says that he still supports Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/09/pft-live-cameron-heyward-on-ohio-state-controversy/

 

[Buckskin86]

Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, still recovering from elbow surgery, didn't work out Friday and will hold his own session for teams March 30. Offensive lineman Bryant Browning, who tweaked his hamstring early in the week, didn't run Friday but hopes to run then.

http://www.cleveland.com/buckeyeblog/index.ssf/2011/03/ohio_state_pro_day_update_fast.html

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMtmlRUnhDE"]YouTube - Draft Preview: Cameron Heyward[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

Alot of discussion that Cam won't get past the Chargers....

Of note, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith was among 100-plus onlookers ? the room was packed with NFL coordinators ? and that suggests San Diego is serious about one or more of these Buckeyes, as Smith doesn?t make this kind of trip unless there?s genuine interest.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2011/03/11/homan-excels-before-big-crowd-at-osus-pro-day/

Patriots scouts were in attendance at Ohio State, where defensive lineman Cam Heyward was pretty much a spectator due to his injuries.

http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2011/03/scouts-for-patriots-casting-a-wide-net.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Cam at 3:42...

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-swq8iuhzk"]YouTube - Everything to Prove: Episode 3[/ame]

Cam at 3:11

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhjCVwIA4bU"]YouTube - Everything to Prove: Episode 4[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBOhpQtW3Hs"]YouTube - Cameron Heyward - 2011 NFL Combine - Eastbay[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

March 27, 2011
McShay's mock: Ravens to draft DE Heyward

ESPN draft expert Todd McShay has the Ravens selecting Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward with the 26th pick in the fourth version of his mock draft (which was released on March 16).

Heyward is a thick, big-boned lineman who has NFL bloodlines ? his father is the late Craig ?Ironhead? Heyward, a former running back for the New Orleans Saints. He is considered a first-round talent but his average senior season (3 ? sacks) likely dropped his stock.

At 6 feet 5, 280 pounds, Heyward is projected to play defensive end in a 3-4 defense. He could be the eventual replacement for Cory Redding, who is entering the final year of his contract with the Ravens.

According to McShay: "Addressing their cornerback need with a player like Jimmy Smith is an option but Smith comes with character baggage and isn't worth the risk here. Heyward comes with some risks, too, after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his left elbow after the college season, but he's expected to make a full recovery and all you have to do is watch the tape of his Sugar Bowl performance against Arkansas to see how much potential he has. And something tells me Ray Lewis would take Heyward under his wing and teach him a thing or two about being a pro."

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2011/03/mcshays_mock_ravens_to_draft_heyward.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Heyward proves he?s ready, back in business
By Alex Kopilow
[email protected]
Updated: Thursday, March 31, 2011

Nerves woke up Cameron Heyward at 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Heyward said representatives from about 25 NFL teams showed up to see if the defensive end could be as effective in his workouts after undergoing Tommy John surgery Jan. 12.

"This is the best I've ever felt," he said. "I felt great out there. My elbow felt totally fine, and I hope every coach got to see that."

The senior tore his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow in the second quarter of the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4. Although he finished the game, the injury to Heyward's elbow led to his decision to undergo Tommy John surgery a week later.

In his workouts, Heyward said he ran a 4.96, a 4.40 and a 7.40 in the 40-yard dash, short shuttle and the L-drill, respectively. He also jumped 35 inches in his vertical leap, but he said he "wasn't happy" with his 8-foot-10-inch broad jump.

"(The injury) helped me be more thankful, take advantage of the opportunities and focus on my weaknesses I had to work on and pay attention to," he said. "I think I had pretty good times overall. I'm pretty happy about them."

Though he performed well during his Pro Day, Heyward answered the looming question about the timetable for a full recovery. He said he would be 100 percent ready for NFL mini-camps if they began right after the NFL draft in late April.

"You can look at my elbow now; it's fine," he said. "You can look at my body of work, and I've constantly gotten better. I think I have matured in this last year both physically and mentally, and I think I have really understood the game."

Heyward, a four-year starter at Ohio State, is projected to be a late first-round selection in the draft. Heyward's greatest asset as a pro-prospect is his versatility on the defensive line.

"I think over my four years here I have enjoyed so many different positions," Heyward said, "and it's made me more versatile."

Cont...

http://www.thelantern.com/sports/heyward-proves-he-s-ready-back-in-business-1.2132721

OSU?s Heyward pleased with elbow, pro day
Steve Wyche
By Steve Wyche
Published: March 30th, 2011

Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, a projected first-round draft pick, felt good not only about the way he performed in front of dozens of NFL scouts at his pro day Wednesday, but about the fact that he simply performed period.

After spending the past few months recovering from a left elbow injury that required tendons to be surgically repaired, the 295-pound Heyward went through all drills except for the bench press. He ran his 40-yard dash in times around 4.95 seconds, and his vertical jump was around 35 inches, according to a source who was in attendance.

The workout was pretty much set up for Heyward and two other players who couldn?t participate in the Buckeyes? March 11 pro day. Heyward didn?t participate in the NFL Scouting Combine last month, either, because he was recovering from surgery.

Heyward punched dummies and bags and moved his repaired limb with no limitations, adding that he felt no residual effects from the injury he sustained in the Jan. 4 Sugar Bowl. Several hours after going through those drills, Heyward said he wasn?t experiencing any discomfort.

?It felt so good to go out there and perform for all those coaches,? Heyward said in a telephone interview. ?Everything felt good, and I felt like I?ve gained a lot of my strength back.?

Heyward said he wasn?t asked by any teams about his upper body strength because the medical feedback showed the recovery portion of his injury is complete. Now it?s simply about him getting stronger.

Following his workout, Heyward was put through some tests by teams on a white board, and he said that parts went well. In fact, while he was recovering from his injury, Heyward said he was able to really gain in the game?s mental aspects.

?I learned about myself, learned to have patience, and I worked on some weaknesses,? said the son of former NFL running back Craig ?Ironhead? Heyward.

Cam Heyward is coveted because he played end and tackle at Ohio State and is viewed as someone who could play both in a 4-3 scheme, although end is his most proficient spot. He also can play end in a 3-4.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2011/03/30/osus-heyward-pleased-with-elbow-pro-day/

Chargers, Steelers attend Cameron Heyward's pro day

Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward had his pro day on Wednesday, and it was an important audition. Heyward didn't work out at the Combine because he was still recovering from surgery Jan. 12 to repair torn ligaments in his elbow.

According to NFL.com, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau were among those who watched Heyward weigh in at 295 pounds and run the 40 in the 4.95-4.96 range.

Heyward is projected to be a first-round pick, potentially drawing interest from the Chargers (18th overall pick), Ravens (26), Falcons (27), Jets (30), and Steelers (31). Heyward is thought to be versatile enough to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 system. One of the teams eyeing Heyward could potentially trade up to get him.

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/sto...attend-cameron-heywards-pro-day#ixzz1IAyFVINX

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmjwnCBKduY"]YouTube - Cameron Heyward Answers Questions About his Workout[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9QB-Axs_Oo"]YouTube - Everything to Prove: Episode 6[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

DT Cameron Heyward: Ohio State (6-5, 295)
A lot of scouts I talked to after the Ohio State workout weren?t real pleased with the 4.95 40 time of Heyward. However, in my mind it?s not a big deal. It?s not like the guy is an edge/speed player. He?s a power guy who is going to either play as a five technique in a 3-4 or a LDE in a 4-3 with three-technique potential. Honestly, that?s about what I thought he would run anyway.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Pro-day-shakedown.html

At his pro day workout Wednesday, former Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward said has not heard whether he will be invited to New York for the NFL draft.

But even if Heyward does get an invite, he plans to decline. He said he would rather spend the day at home in Georgia with family and friends. The NFL limits the number of guests a player can bring, and Heyward doesn't want to set a limit.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/conten.../01/rumblings-4-1-art-g2tc5qrl-1.html?sid=101

Heyward among 3-4 DEs Packers likely studying
Posted by Pete Dougherty
March 31st, 2011

The Packers probably were in the market for drafting a defensive end because of Cullen Jenkins? likely departure in free agency this offseason, and Johnny Jolly?s recent arrest makes it even more likely they?ll use a pick at that position.

One of several defensive ends possibly on their radar with their first-round pick, No. 32 overall, is Ohio State?s Cameron Heyward, who held his campus workout Wednesday. It was an important workout for Heyward because he was recovering from surgery on his elbow at the NFL scouting combine a month ago and essentially didn?t work out, performing only the vertical jump. It?s unclear whether Heyward?s performance Wednesday was enough to affect whatever opinion a scout had on him going in.

Heyward has a greatl build for a 3-4 defensive end at 6-feet-4 5/8 and 295 pounds, and also could play tackle and maybe even end in a 4-3 defense. Some scouts consider him a solid pick in the final quarter of the first round, but others question whether he?s quite explosive enough to draft before the middle of the second round at the earliest.

On Wednesday, Heyward ran the 40 in 4.95 seconds, a decent time for player for a player his size. His 35-inch vertical jump, which was a five-inch increase over his combine performance, was good. His elbow still isn?t strong enough for the bench-press test.

By comparison, Mike Neal, the 3-4 defensive end the Packers drafted last year late in the second round (No. 56 overall), weighed 294 pounds, which is about the same as Heyward, ran the 40 in 4.87 seconds and had a 33-inch vertical jump.

One blogger who wrote about the workout said Heyward appears to have solidified himself as pick in the top 25. Heyward is the son of former NFL running back Craig ?Ironhead? Heyward.

http://blogs.greenbaypressgazette.c...eyward-among-3-4-des-packers-likely-studying/

 

[Buckskin86]

Patriots Could Take Advantage of Cameron Heyward's Sliding Draft Stock
by Jeff Howe on Sun, Apr 3, 2011

Cameron Heyward Every draft has at least one of them -- a player with limitless talent that is matched by a perceived lack of desire.

Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward might be the defensive prototype in that regard for the 2011 draft class. There's almost no chance he'll get taken in the top half of the first round, and that means his future team will get a bargain on talent. It's just unclear how he'll put that talent to use.

The Patriots will have a decision to make on Heyward -- at least once, if not three times, early in the draft -- because he'll surely be there when they're on the clock. Since they have a need at defensive end, Heyward will be an intriguing option.

Key Stats
The 6-foot-5, 294-pounder finished his four-year career with 14.5 sacks, 34 tackles for loss and 157 total tackles.

Why the Patriots Would Want Him
Heyward could play defensive end in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme, and he could also play inside on four-man fronts in substitution packages. He can be a tenacious player, and he could single-handedly take over big games for Ohio State. Heyward probably should have been the Sugar Bowl MVP, as his tenacity at the line disrupted Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett's rhythm all game. More impressive, Heyward tore an elbow ligament in the second quarter in the Sugar Bowl, and his play never suffered.

Why the Patriots Might Stay Away
Heyward's work ethic has been criticized, and he doesn't bring it every play. There is no doubt that Heyward has the talent to be a top-10 pick, but he doesn't play at that level often enough because of his desire.

Potential Impact in 2011
Heyward might get off to a slow start in camp while he continues to recover from elbow surgery, but when he gets to full strength, he's got the ability to be a menace every week in the NFL. The problem is that teams don't know what they'll get from him. With the right coaching and leadership -- the Patriots have both -- Heyward could turn out to be a very valuable player from the start.

What The Locals Are Saying
Heyward believes he's back after undergoing Tommy John surgery in January.

Where Can the Patriots Expect to Draft Heyward?
The Patriots could take Heyward at No. 17 if they wanted, but after that, it's completely unclear. Heyward would fit with seven teams between Nos. 18-27, so there's no telling whether or not he'll be around when the Patriots are next up at No. 28. Those percentages would suggest otherwise, but it's hard to tell how teams perceive Heyward, who could even fall into the second round.

http://www.nesn.com/2011/04/patriot...-of-cameron-heywards-sliding-draft-stock.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Heyward satisfied with pro day
Ex-Buckeye recovering from injury
BY MATT MARKEY
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

COLUMBUS ? Several hundred college football players got the chance to formally audition for the pro scouts at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in February.

Last month, Ohio State held a separate pro day at the Woody Hayes Center, and more than a dozen former Buckeyes had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of NFL brass, with many of these players improving on the times they posted in Indy.

An elbow injury suffered in the Sugar Bowl win over Arkansas prevented Ohio State's likely top pick in the upcoming draft, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, from being much more than a spectator at those two events.

But with his surgically repaired elbow well on the mend, Heyward finally had his day, and he pretty much had the big stage and the spotlight all to himself. A couple other players worked out, but it was Heyward the pros came to see last week.

"It felt great out there," Heyward said about the pro day at OSU, which he said was attended by representatives from 25 of the 32 NFL teams. "My elbow felt fine, and hopefully every coach was able to see that."

Heyward, who came out of the 2010 season projected to be a sure first-round pick in the NFL draft, had his stock move to less stable ground once the injury was revealed. He apparently damaged a ligament in his elbow in the Sugar Bowl, but he did not learn the extent of the injury until he went to Arizona in early January to take part in workouts customized to prepare him for the NFL Combine.

After surgery on Jan. 12 to repair his torn ulnar collateral ligament, Heyward had his plans to take part in the Combine shelved.

"I was pretty upset about it. I didn't realize how bad it was," Heyward said. "My elbow swelled up. I thought it was just a hyperextension ... I could probably play through it, but that wasn't best because there could be long-term damage in the future."

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http://toledoblade.com/Ohio-State/2011/04/05/Heyward-satisfied-with-pro-day.html

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahe4FEgdl5w"]YouTube - Cameron Heyward vs Arkansas[/ame]