The Ohio State Buckeye's Cameron Heyward was a force in college, against the run and as a pass rusher, named to the first-team All-Big Ten team, a Lombardi Award semifinalist and a Lott Trophy quarterfinalist. He didn't have the senior season many expected, but his talent is undeniable. And he would have no problem being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals.
“It would be an honor to play for the Bengals,” he said. “They have an up-and-coming defense with some great players. They have all these different guys flying around contributing. It feels like a team most of the time. The city is very passionate about their team and to be a part of that would be something special.”
According to ESPN's DraftTracker, Heyward is the tenth-best defensive end prospect who could play inside. They grade his production, size, durability, intangibles and versatility as above average, as well as versus the run.
Stays low and is stout for size. Flashes the ability to sink and anchor working against double teams. Strong upper body. Flashes the ability to stack and shed in time to make plays at the line of scrimmage. Can lock arms out and read and react in a two-gap scheme. Base narrows at times and can get washed down the line of scrimmage or collapsed inside by angle blocks. Doesn't have great range and not going to make as many plays in pursuit at the NFL level.
Heyward is expected to be drafted no later than the second round.