3-4 Defensive End/Defensive Tackle/Defensive End

Ohio State

6-5 295

Draft board overall prospect rank: #35

Draft board overall 3-4 defensive end rank: #5

Overall rating: 80 (early 2^nd)

40 time: 4.95

4/17/11: Heyward finally got a chance to work out after elbow surgery. He ran a 4.95 at 6-5 295 pounds, which was to be expected, but it’s definitely a plus that he is healthy and was cleared to do everything, including bench, though he opted against benching. The Chargers at 18 will consider him and he probably won’t drop into the 2^nd. 

3/29/11: Had Cameron Heyward declared in 2010 as a junior, he probably would have been a top 15 pick, with the potential to rise late like Tyson Jackson. However, he chose to return and a down year, combined with the fact that this is probably the strongest defensive line class in years, especially at his primary positions, 3-4 end and 4-3 defensive tackle, have made him a possible 2^nd round pick.

He probably would have been a lock to fall into the 2^nd round if it wasn’t for a strong game in his bowl game, but that’s just his problem, at least this year. He’s great sometimes, but he’s so inconsistent. He’ll also have to prove the health of his reconstructed elbow at his private Pro Day on March 30^th.

Word is, his elbow checks out just fine so his draft range could go as high as 18^th to San Diego. However, guys like JJ Watt, Cameron Jordan, Muhammed Wilkerson, Adrian Clayborn, Corey Liuget, and Stephen Paea could all go higher than him at his position, which could still drop him into the 2^nd round. With him, it’s all a case of do teams think they can coach him up. At his best, he’s pretty good. At his worst though, he’s almost invisible. He’s got the size, the strength, and the bloodlines, but not the necessary consistency and work ethic.

NFL Comparison: Tyson Jackson