2011 NFL Draft: Cameron Heyward Pros and Cons

Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward was a versatile cog in the Ohio State Buckeyes' defensive line. Coaches put him in a multitude of different positions and let him get after the quarterback. Heyward is expected to be a 1st or 2nd round pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Here are some of the pros and cons to drafting Cameron Heyward. All stats are courtesy of CBSSports.com and ESPN.com.

Pros
#1. Versatility
Heyward played defensive end and tackle as an Ohio State Buckeye. He rarely came off of the field and played a high snap count in every season of his collegiate career.

He should project to the NFL as a possible 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 under defensive tackle. He may have to add some strength to fully fit into a 2 gap scheme. Heyward is capable of playing every down though, allowing coaches to scheme effectively without having to sub him out.

#2. Strength
Heyward demonstrates a violent punch when engaging a blocker. He capitalizes on his initial punch with excellent strength throughout his upper body, arms, and hands to push his blocker into the pocket. When he sets himself and keeps a good pad level, Heyward can clog a running lane and give his linebackers space to make the tackle.

#3. Quickness
Despite being listed at 6'5" and 288 pounds, Heyward can be among the first interior linemen moving at the snap of the ball if he's paying attention. He gets his hands up and delivers his punch before the blocker is fully set, giving him the advantage.

Although he isn't exceptionally fast for a defensive lineman, Heyward will chase down a quarterback or running back. He can't catch some of the faster offensive skill position players, but gives solid effort. When needing to make an open field tackle, Heyward can slow a ball carrier down but isn't often able to make a tackle.

Cons
#1. Inconsistency
Heyward was extremely inconsistent in his play at times. While he appears to have an above-average technical skill set, he fails to utilize all of his techniques on a regular basis. Blockers can take advantage of him using the same pass-rushing move repeatedly and drive him out of the pocket. Heyward lets his pad level rise, allowing less skilled blockers to negate his strength.

Despite his physical talents, Heyward posted low numbers during his collegiate career. He only had 6.5 sacks as a junior and 3.5 sacks as a senior.

#2. Tweener
Heyward is a bit of a tweener prospect. He isn't fast enough to consistently pressure the edge as a 4-3 defensive end, but he isn't strong enough to anchor 2 gaps or play as a defensive tackle without adding additional muscle. Heyward's 1st season in the NFL may be sort of a redshirt year where he either slims down or bulks up some.

Opinion
Heyward could gain 10 to 15 pounds and play as a 4-3 defensive tackle or fit in a 3-4 defensive system as a defensive end. He could also line up at multiple spots in sub packages.

I think Heyward's best draft value is probably late in the 1st round or early in the 2nd round. He was relatively steady throughout his career, but never as spectacular as some of the other defensive linemen currently available in the 2011 NFL draft. What you see with him is what you get. While he needs to work on his consistency, I see Heyward becoming more of a steady contributor rather than a star in the NFL.

Sources
CBSSports.com Cameron Heyward's Player Profile. February 1st, 2011.
ESPN.com Cameron Heyward's Player Page. February 1st, 2011.