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Updated: April 14, 2011, 12:17 PM
Draft Rundown
OSU's Heyward Could Bolster D-Line
(Editor's Note: Leading into the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be held April 28-30, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at several draft prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward.)
Name: Cameron Heyward
Position: Defensive End
College: Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6-5/288
Age: 21
Did You Know? Not only is Heyward the son of late former NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, but his stepfather Cory Blackwell played one NBA season for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Strengths: Heyward's physical dimensions give him some natural advantages, particularly his length and wingspan which allow him to fight off blocks and get into the backfield or chase down plays outside the pocket. He has a high motor and the ability to slide inside on passing downs to apply pressure. He has a lot of experience against good competition.
Weaknesses: Currently at least, he is a bit of a tweener. He projects best as a 3-4 end, but will have to bulk up to be able to consistently hold his ground against more powerful offensive tackles. He gets worn down from time to time, and will need to play in a fairly heavy rotation. Also, he is recovering from a rotator cuff surgery he underwent after the season, which kept him from participating at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Sound Bites: On how he would approach tackling his father, one of the more powerful runners in recent NFL history: "I'd take him on, full head. He would too - he would lower his head, too. I'm going to go right at him. I'm not going for the ankles. I'm going to take him down right away."
Where He's Headed: Could possibly be picked late in Round 1, but is more likely a second-round selection.
How He Helps Cowboys: If the team doesn't address its defensive end shortage in the first round, Heyward would be a talented option with pick No. 40 overall, and could play a lot of snaps in his first season. He will need a year or two to reach his physical potential, but could eventually be the kind of active three-down lineman the Cowboys had in Chris Canty.
Draft Rundown
OSU's Heyward Could Bolster D-Line
(Editor's Note: Leading into the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be held April 28-30, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at several draft prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward.)
Name: Cameron Heyward
Position: Defensive End
College: Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6-5/288
Age: 21
Did You Know? Not only is Heyward the son of late former NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, but his stepfather Cory Blackwell played one NBA season for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Strengths: Heyward's physical dimensions give him some natural advantages, particularly his length and wingspan which allow him to fight off blocks and get into the backfield or chase down plays outside the pocket. He has a high motor and the ability to slide inside on passing downs to apply pressure. He has a lot of experience against good competition.
Weaknesses: Currently at least, he is a bit of a tweener. He projects best as a 3-4 end, but will have to bulk up to be able to consistently hold his ground against more powerful offensive tackles. He gets worn down from time to time, and will need to play in a fairly heavy rotation. Also, he is recovering from a rotator cuff surgery he underwent after the season, which kept him from participating at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Sound Bites: On how he would approach tackling his father, one of the more powerful runners in recent NFL history: "I'd take him on, full head. He would too - he would lower his head, too. I'm going to go right at him. I'm not going for the ankles. I'm going to take him down right away."
Where He's Headed: Could possibly be picked late in Round 1, but is more likely a second-round selection.
How He Helps Cowboys: If the team doesn't address its defensive end shortage in the first round, Heyward would be a talented option with pick No. 40 overall, and could play a lot of snaps in his first season. He will need a year or two to reach his physical potential, but could eventually be the kind of active three-down lineman the Cowboys had in Chris Canty.
