2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cameron Heyward

Strengths:

Prototypical size for 5-technique

Has length with strong musculature

Strong at point of attack

Sets the edge in the run game

Heavy hands

Gets terrific arm extension to control linemen

Flashes dominance

Shows ability to take on double teams

Tends to stay low to ground

Good instincts; sniffs plays out and disrupts

Tons of experience at multiple positions on DL (DT, DE, 5-tech)

Strong work ethic

Nice initial pop

Powerful

Weaknesses:

Highly inconsistent and can take some games off (not plays – whole games)

Doesn’t always play as big as he is

Soft

Motor runs hot and cold

Not a fluid athlete; a little stiff

Average speed

Lacks a pass rush repertoire

Doesn’t make much of an impact rushing the quarterback

Below average production

Summary: I don’t think a player’s stock has fallen on my board over the summer more than Heyward’s. I went into the summer expecting to see a first-round pick on tape, and instead I now see a second-rounder. He gets dominated by inferior competition and should be more dominant on a more consistent basis when you factor in his size, strength and talent.

Heyward’s best fit by far at the next level is the 5-technique position (3-4 DE), and I just don’t see him being an impact pass rusher at 4-3 left defensive end. Heyward needs to step up in his senior year if he wants to be a top 25 pick. As I mentioned previously, Heyward is starting the 2011 season with a second-round grade on my board.

Player Comparison: Kenyon Coleman. Coleman is a strong player against the run for the Browns, but he’s a little inconsistent and doesn’t offer much in terms of a pass rush.

RELATED LINKS:

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Matt’s | Walt’s

2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports

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