Patriots NFL Draft Prospect: DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

by Richard Hill on Apr 12, 2011 4:00 PM EDT in New England Patriots NFL Draft

Cameron Heyward. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Name: DE Cameron Heyward

School: Ohio State

Size: 6'5, 295 lbs

Expected Round: 1st

40 Time: 4.95s

Career Stats: Click Here.

Player Previews: CBS; Walter Football; NFL Combine [If you would like your website included, please e-mail me!]

Strengths: Elite frame for a 3-4 DE and is near the optimal size. Able to push through interior linemen to get into the backfield and pressure the quarterback. Able to spin out of contain to tackle the ball carrier. Extremely capable and aware of his gaps and won't risk getting out of place. Solid tackler who will chase players down the field. Great work ethic who wants to win. Holds the point of attack against double teams and can disengage to grab the ball carrier. Raises his production against top talent. Four year player and team captain. Enough of an athlete where I actually saw him drop into coverage.

Weaknesses: Will have to add 15-20 pounds to his frame over time to become a stouter run defender in the two gap defense. Not a real speed threat around the edge, but will have to improve his pass rushing tool set to reach the quarterback. Needs to increase his awareness of counter moves by the offensive linemen because he can get taken out of the play, especially on cut back plays by running backs. Inconsistent.

Why and Why Not the Patriots after the jump, and my final verdict!

Why the Patriots?: Heyward is a fan favorite to be "the next Richard Seymour" at defensive end. He has a great frame and he's a committed player so adding quality weight shouldn't be an issue. Once he adds the pounds, he can do everything needed in a Patriots DE- watch two gaps, hold the point of attack, pressure the quarterback when single blocked, and pick up a few sacks over the course of the season. He also presents great value at the bottom of the first round.

Why Not the Patriots?: There has to be questions about his performance this season compared to his junior season and why his production stalled. I would have liked to see an improvement over his junior year numbers, but he stayed fairly stable, which makes me wonder where his upside is- and if he can put everything together. Another reason would be his draft competition- how does Muhammad Wilkerson compare to Heyward? Does Wilkerson seem more NFL ready, with more upside? If so, and if there are other prospects, I can see Heyward getting passed over.

Verdict: Heyward is another player who I like more every time I watch his tape. His "lack of production" is because he's doing what a good 3-4 two gap DE does- he lets others make the plays. If he can do it, he'll make the play himself, but he draws players out of the way to open lanes for other pass rushers. I think he could succeed with the Patriots and it's honestly a toss-up with Wilkerson. I'd be extremely happy with either.

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Comments

This is the first eval with multiple vids. lol

I like Heyward a lot, so I hope we grab him by 28. When I saw him in the sugar bowl, I knew he has very good talent.

Also, didnt seymour have to add about 10 pounds when he came to us?

I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP

by Jack'sAxe on Apr 12, 2011 4:55 PM EDT reply actions

This is the first eval with multiple vids. lol

At least I think so… quite a lot happened on the weekend(school and such).

by Jack'sAxe on Apr 12, 2011 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Nah, I put up a ton for Amukamara.

But yeah. I want to put up more videos for guys people are interested in.

Pats Pulpit | @Follow Me On Twitter

by Richard Hill on Apr 12, 2011 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah Seymour went from like 299 to 315 or something

So I would expect Heyward to play at 310+ which at 6’5" makes him perfect physically for our defense.

I bet we do take him at 28. I have a feeling that, rumors aside, Belichick takes guys at 17 and 28 and then trades 33 away for future picks.

Deep in enemy territory

by JeffyB on Apr 12, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I see us trading down from 17 to grab Wilkerson or Heyward.

And then trading 28 into the future. I feel like the Pats will have to trade ahead of the Ravens to get the guy they want and it’s easier to trade down than up, in the Pats’ position.

Pats Pulpit | @Follow Me On Twitter

by Richard Hill on Apr 12, 2011 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with this.

trade the 28th pick for a future first and maybe 4th or 3rd, and then trade the 33rd pick.

by Jack'sAxe on Apr 12, 2011 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd rather

trade down from 17, pick at 28, trade 33 for a future 1st rounder

by pats4life on Apr 12, 2011 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not....if the CBA isn't there or the Judge doesn't rule in the favor of the players.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 12, 2011 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

dude

giving up on the draft strategy cause of the uncertain labor situation? nah

by pats4life on Apr 12, 2011 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions

what if the Judge makes a ruling against the players?

in that case, there is no cba. Trading for future picks esp for the 2012 ones is dangerous cause there is no 2012 nfl draft.

If the Judge rules in favor of the players, we go back to the 2010 format.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 12, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I believe the NFL guaranteed future picks out to liek 2013 or 2014

in a memo to front offices. So if there isn’t a draft those years they will simply push the traded picks back to the next draft that happens.

Deep in enemy territory

by JeffyB on Apr 12, 2011 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions

2013 would work.

But Brady would be 35.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 12, 2011 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah that makes sense as well

I just imagine they will be trading out of 33 as well. There has to be some team who takes a night to think about it and decides they need to get the first pick on day 2.

Deep in enemy territory

by JeffyB on Apr 12, 2011 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Can I haz pwease!?

by pats4life on Apr 12, 2011 5:17 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks for putting up my vid.

I wish there was the 09 USC -OSU game online so I could edit his snaps. He was amazing in that game and that was the first time I noticed him, researched him and started talking about him as a potential Patriot.

Started as a true freshman at OSU…which is hard to do under Tressel.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 12, 2011 7:45 PM EDT reply actions

Ok so I watched the videos above...

and they didnt leave me feeling warm and fuzzy about this guy. He did well against Oregon, but Carimi seemed to handle him. Carimi did have help on some plays, but I was left feeling underwhelmed. I’ll have to look at some other film of the other prospects to get a better feel of Heyward vs Watt vs Wilkerson.

by The Qwan on Apr 12, 2011 7:49 PM EDT reply actions

Last time I checked,

Heyward won the battle over Carimi in their last 3 match ups including the 09 game where it was a sack-a-thon . That was also the game where the entire OSU defense and offense and ST decided to play like poodle doo. (only lose of the year).

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 12, 2011 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn't say Heyward won the '10 match-up.

Pats Pulpit | @Follow Me On Twitter

by Richard Hill on Apr 12, 2011 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Neither would I...but I didn't say that.

I did say that Heyward did win the other 3 (07, 08 and 09)

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 12, 2011 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah, I interpreted "last three match-ups"...

…but this year he didn’t. Shows drastic improvement in Carimi, but also that Heyward didn’t improve either. That’s still a flag, in my opinion.

Pats Pulpit | @Follow Me On Twitter

by Richard Hill on Apr 12, 2011 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Heyward got more attention paid towards him

that is actually a good thing. just because a dude doesn’t show up in the stat sheet doesn’t mean they didn’t have the impact

by pats4life on Apr 12, 2011 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

If you watch the clips...

…the majority are 1v1 with Carimi. He still sees a lot of 1v1 time.

Pats Pulpit | @Follow Me On Twitter

by Richard Hill on Apr 13, 2011 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Carimi is one of the top offensive tackles

chances are that they’d be going at each other 1 on 1 and the results wouldn’t be completely one sided

by pats4life on Apr 13, 2011 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Ninja

it was a sackathon from the inside of the 2009 game, not the outside. Worthington, Larimore, Homan, and Rolle were owning the right side of Wisconsin’s OL like there was no tomorrow. It was ridiculous. Heyward got in once, but Tolzien was sacked 6 times that game.

2008 game? Not really. 2007? Carimi wasn’t starting.

Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog

by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Apr 13, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

2007 game...yes he was...I saw his jersey number.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 13, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Pretty sure Heyward wasn't in that game at all

Because that was the day Vernon ****ing Gholston happened. The 2007 and 2009 games were ridiculous sackfests.

2007: Tyler Donovan was sacked 9 times. NINE. For 74 yards lost.
2009: Scott Tolzien was sacked 6 times.

Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog

by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Apr 13, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually both were.

I looked at the highlights. Camiri was the LT and Heyward & Gholston would switch sides depending on where the weakside/strong side were.

9 sacks??? LOL…I thought it was around 4-5 sacks in that 2007 game.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 13, 2011 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Ninja

why do you keep saying Camiri? Isn’t it Carimi?

by pats4life on Apr 13, 2011 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Whatever...I don't care.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 13, 2011 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

hahahaha you know what?

by pats4life on Apr 13, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions

9 sacks.

That game, and the Tennessee debacle, are the most likely reasons why Tyler Donovan went undrafted.

Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog.
Author at Acme Packing Company, a Green Bay Packers blog

by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Apr 13, 2011 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Didn't Gholston get like 3-4 sacks too?

which hyped his draft status.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 13, 2011 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I only watched the video above

I didnt see the film youre referring to, so I cant comment on it.

by The Qwan on Apr 12, 2011 8:05 PM EDT reply actions

I'm talking about the

07, 08 and 09 Wisc-OSU game.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 12, 2011 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll have to check them out.

Got links?

by The Qwan on Apr 12, 2011 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions

sadly no.

All of them are just high lights. I wish there were torrents of those games. In that case, I would break down his snaps like I did in the Sugar Bowl. Same thing for the 09 USC-OSU game.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 12, 2011 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Cam Heyward would be worth a look. I was lumping him together with Can Jordan as more down hill players. But Mr. Heyward could play in Boston and have positive results. I like the fact that you posted 3 different looks of him. I noticed some other players too. Like Ryan Mallet. And he screams 3rd round pick to me. Gabe Carimi looks like a Patriot too. There were a ton of holds on Cam but few were called. He might be what the doctor ordered.

by Patriots12 on Apr 12, 2011 11:55 PM EDT reply actions

The highlights show...

There were a ton of holds on Cam but few were called.

A lot of double teams, and a few triple teams, including one where he’s being held by at least one guy while two others are double-teaming him. There are also some cut blocks while he is engaged by a double team.

The interesting things to me are when he’s spying the QB, and when he slides down the line all the way to the far side to make the tackle. Isn’t there and interception return highlight around too?

by pablum257 on Apr 13, 2011 1:00 AM EDT reply actions

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7qF6ioDj8U

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 13, 2011 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Heyward at 28?

There is probably more value at 28 in trade. Titans reportedly want Colin Kaepernick; San Diego reportedly has contacted Pats and they moved up last year thinking they are 1-2 players away; trading down to Rd 2 there are pass rushers, RB’s and OL’s to pick from. JJWatt is a likely target at 17 if he falls; with expectation of filling OL needs in RD 2-3. We have a lot of DL’s that may jell with experience and Heyward’s performance dropped his anticipated value from last year. 28 is a position where several QB’s and Mark Ingram should be available it is hard to believe there will not be an offer. Also possible is an offer from NYG or Phila, particularly for pick 17 to get ahead of a run on the OT’s. Unless the offer is significant or noone falls to 17 I hope we use pick 17.

by WRMaurer on Apr 13, 2011 7:43 AM EDT reply actions

Afterthoughts

Pick 33 is traditionally the most tradeable pick since the draft went to more than 1 day. CBA mediation may help clarify our Mankins OL stuff; a huge factor in trading and picking. Signing Mankins, picking DE Watt, Castonzo,Carimi or Jordan at 17 frees us to listen to offers for 28 and 33.

by WRMaurer on Apr 13, 2011 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn't want to trade 28.

Our needs are much the same as the Jets’, and I don’t want them getting Heyward (as an example) while we’re waiting at 38 for a DE.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by insertscreenname on Apr 13, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions

OUr needs are also similar to all of the remaining teams.

Steelers, Bears and Packers need O-line, Jets need an OLB and a DL…

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by insertscreenname on Apr 13, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Drafting against the Jets

Many times I have blogged that we need to draft against the Jets. We, at this time, have 6 picks before they have 2. Cromartie #2 to San Diego. I don’t want 17 traded because we can get an OT or Pouncey before the run or Watt/Jordan someone likely filling 1 need. At 28 there is Brooks Reed, Heyward, Ayers, Kerrigan and Taylor all who are associated with the Jets in mock drafts. If I were picking at 28 to counter the Jets it would be Taylor but since many teams early in RD 2 need QB’s and SD has made noise of a trade up there is probably better value on the horizon. The CBA mediation will horefully be fruitful and we will know if Mankins will sign before the draft.

by WRMaurer on Apr 13, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn't either

17 and 33 are better trade bait.
28 is cost-effective and of great value for the Patriots cause Belichick usually drafts around there anyways lol

by pats4life on Apr 13, 2011 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn't mind the 17th pick to be traded back to the mid 20's area

and some extra picks.

Non Sibi Sed Patriae ;I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life.
Cameron Heyward- Future 3-4 RDE for the New England Patriots.

by NinjaZX6R on Apr 13, 2011 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

me either

chances are someone will fall down to us, we will be able to trade down and out (a la Dez Bryant and Cowboys last year), and get out of 17 to the mid-20s. 28 is a fine pick. 33 has so much value aside from just where it is (as people have mentioned) and I would love to get a future first from it

by pats4life on Apr 13, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

17, 28, 33, 60 Sign Mankins, NYJets

At 17 with Mankins signed trading down with Phil 23, Chic29 NYG 19 all of whom are looking at OL early may produce good value and still keep us ahead of NYJets. Without Mankins our line is in flux and we would be passing on the opportunity to be the start of a likely OL run of picks. We can’t prevent the Jets from getting a DE/OLB, in addition to the list above there are Wilkerson and Paea as well. At 17 if Castonzo and Watt are gone trading down is fine with me but I like these 2 a lot. Carimi is hard to pass too.
At 28 there should be some good DE/OLB quality with OT depleted by then. At 33 after a night of salivating some team may come up with an offer worth more than the pick. Incidentally Dez was arrested for very bizarre behavior recently. Grnuinely I enjoy these discussions.

by WRMaurer on Apr 13, 2011 3:46 PM EDT reply actions

Another Afterthought [Sorry]

This thread was triggered by my headline " Heyward at 28?" I meant trading 28 was worth more than Heyward not necessarily everyone available at 28.

by WRMaurer on Apr 13, 2011 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

cause there were better players available than Brady from picks 1-198...

we don’t know what Heyward can/will accomplish. We didn’t expect McCourty last year. If Heyward gets picked at 28 I won’t flinch at all at Belichick.

by pats4life on Apr 13, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

McCourty Heyward and Brady

I liked McCourty and like last year we pick right in front of the Jets who picked CB Kyle Wilson next. Its good they didn.t get a chance at McCourty who was wrongly viewed as primarily special teams star with CB 4 down potential. Heyward may very well be a good 28 value if we pick an OT first as I hope. OT and DL in the first round is very logical. We don’t really disagree. If Mankins is not signed by draft time the probable picks are OL and DL/OLB. I can’t remember what I thought of Brady but I probably thought there were 198 better players. There is a lot of potential for trade at 17,28 and particularly 33. Also we could trade up, of course, which I usually don’t like because of injury risks. CBA settlement and Mankins situation may dictate the action.

by WRMaurer on Apr 13, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm beginning to think

Gabe Carimi
Cameron Heyward
Danny Watkins
Jabaal Sheard

Would just be a wonderful way to start the draft.

by beantownboy171 on Apr 13, 2011 9:38 PM EDT reply actions

That'd give you some flexibility, too

Carimi
Heyward/Wilkerson/Jenkins
Watkins/Wisniewski/Franklin/Boling
(Best OLB available)

Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit

by Comedic.Sans on Apr 14, 2011 6:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Have draft fever very bad; trade proposals for #17

Assume CBA not settled; Mankins will be franchised and unhappy; no free agents can be signed and we still have our eyes on Sydney Rice and Cullen Jenkins as has been rumored; Kevin Kolb can not be traded to solve Phil OT problems[RT Justice was benched,backup Dunlap barely adequate and minor arrest;LT Peters minor arrest]. Phila. offers #23 and #120 for #17 perhaps 7th in 2012: Yes/No Chicago offers #29 and 2nd in 2012 Yes/No Both teams are desperate for OT likely depleting the supply.

by WRMaurer on Apr 14, 2011 9:41 AM EDT reply actions