2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cameron Heyward
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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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Weaknesses:
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