The first pick of the second round is in thanks to NYSteelersFan4. A logical choice no doubt, particularly since we had the Pats taking two offensive linemen in the opening round. Next up: the Buffalo Bills, represented by Steeler_. - Michael B. -
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"I’m hoping I have a little bit of pressure behind me because I want to perform well," Heyward said. "I wouldn’t have it any other way. If guys are expecting a lot out of me, so be it, because I’m a guy that’s going to produce and give it all I got." – Cameron Heyward
After effectively bolstering their offensive line by drafting Gabe Carimi and Mike Pouncey, the Patriots now turn to their young defense by drafting Cam Heyward, a DE/ DT from THE Ohio State University.
Cam Heyward -- DE -- Ohio State Univerity
Height: 6’5"
Weight: 295 lbs.
Background/Analysis:
Heyward has shown signs of being a dominant lineman, and selected by the right coach in the right system could become one of the best defensive linemen in maybe the deepest draft at the position in years. Cam was a four year starter and captain as a senior at Ohio State and should be versatile within a 3-4 defense, after playing both defensive end and defensive tackle under Coach Tressel and the Buckeye staff in their hybrid 4-3. Even though Heyward is not a great pass rusher, he is stout against the run, and is an instinctive player with a great frame and long arms (34 1/2 inches). While he is not the most athletic player, he is a good athlete for his size and has experience dropping back into coverage as well. The player OSU coaches describe as having the best work ethic strangely is scouted asoccasionally taking plays off, and his consistency is in question. Perhaps part of that is due to his ability to maintain double teams, something you expect any 3-4 end to do in the NFL. This would be less of a concern if he were drafted onto a team with strong coaching leadership, which clearly is in place in New England.
Heyward is coming off of Tommy John surgery so he was unable to work out for teams at the combine or Ohio State Pro-Day; he did however hold a personal workout for teams on March 30th. He did not attempt the bench, but notched a 4.95 40 yard dash and had a 35 inch vertical. Reports said he looked to be in good shape despite the long layoff and surgery, which is always good to her about a player coming off injury.
Watch the tape of him playing against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl to see what type of player he could be (Youtube via mathew40):
Against Oregon in the Rose Bowl two seasons ago (Youtube via AloAloysius):
The Patriots continue this draft using the philosophy that games are won in the trenches. They draft a tackle of the future, Gabe Carimi, a guard/ center of the future in Mike Pouncey, and now a defensive end who should be able to open up room for their young linebackers in Cam Heyward.
BTSC 2011 Community Mock Draft Selections:
ROUND 1
- Carolina Panthers -- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
- Denver Broncos -- Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
- Buffalo Bills -- Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
- Cincinnati Bengals -- Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
- Arizona Cardinals -- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
- Cleveland Browns --
'The Snow Cone Machine'A.J. Green, WR, Georgia - San Francisco 49ers -- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
- Tennessee Titans -- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
- Dallas Cowboys -- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
- Washington Redskins -- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
- Houston Texans -- Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
- Minnesota Vikings -- Tyron Smith, OT, USC
- Detroit Lions -- JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
- St. Louis Rams -- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
- Miami Dolphons -- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
- Jacksonville Jaguars -- Brooks Reed , DE, Arizona
- New England Patriots -- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
- San Diego Chargers -- Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue
- New York Giants -- Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
- Kansas City Chiefs -- Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois
- Indianapolis Colts -- Cameron Jordan, DL, California
- Philadelphia Eagles -- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
- New Orleans Saints -- Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
- Seattle Seahawks -- Jake Locker, QB, Washington
- Baltimore Ravens -- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
- Atlanta Falcons -- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
- New England Patriots -- Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
- Chicago Bears --Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
- New York Jets -- Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
- Pittsburgh Steelers -- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
- Green Bay Packers -- Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor