New York likes Heyward The New York Jets need help at defensive end, writes Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork, so Ohio State's Cam Heyward would be a solid choice. A solid choice, but the Jets thought the same thing when they drafted former Ohio State lineman Vernon Gholston, who didn't exactly work out. Heyward, speaking at the combine, on the comparison to Gholston: "We're two totally different players. Vern, they had him dropping at linebacker. You've seen my dropping abilities, they're pretty good [joking]. Me, I can play all over the line; I can play 3-technique and 6-technique. We are two different players. We had the privilege of going to The Ohio State, but we're not the same player. I'm never going to compare myself to him and I don't think he'll ever do the same." Unlike Gholston, writes Cimini, Heyward can play tackle in a 4-3 scheme. On a 3-4 team like the Jets, he has the ideal body type to play the 5-technique -- defensive end. He's strong enough to be a two-gap player. http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2011/03/ohio_state_buckeyes_am_links_j.html
I know they aren't the same player, but I'm just having a hard time looking at the words LB, Ohio and draft in the same sentence. I trust in Tanny so we'll see...
From everything I've read about Heyward (Craig Ironheads son I believe) hes great at stopping the run, and thats about it, not much of a pass rush. But then we do have Rex who seems to have the Midas touch 99.9% of the time. Not my first choice
Even his weaknesses are not that bad. http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/DE/Cameron-Heyward.php
Oh he gets a pass rush going There have been questions of a inconsistent motor, which led to a disappointing senior year. However, I have been growing on Heyward lately(Took him in the 7 rounder over at the draft forum). I have seen and read that Heyward was designed to take gaps and create plays for the others behind/around him, so his gameplan was never to put forth gaugy stats but to help fellow teammates improve by taking out 1-2 OTs. He has also been battling injuries, including coming off TJS. Its a concern but I was impressed by Heyward, especialy when he was spanking DeMarcus Love(I believe?) in the Sugar Bowl.
The lack of OSU defensive players doing well is getting worrisome though when Vernon Gholston, Ashton Youboty, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Schegel, Donte Whitner not living up to expectations. Nugent also was a shitty kicker, regardless of where he was drafted so OSU has not been kind to the Jets besides for Nick Mangold.
I'm trying to find the article I read on him, it was fairly in depth about how adaptable he is along the line. Will post when I find it. Doesn't look too good right now. edit:
They've become a bit of a WR school. Their offensive players are now overtaking the storied defensive prospects the put out in the past.
Love the size, but I think NT is a bigger need when it comes to an infusion of youth. There are a few good, young DEs on the roster, but not really at NT.
DeVito is the only good, young DE on the roster. Everyone else is vastly unproven. They aren't even acceptable rotational players yet. They can be, but not at this point in their careers.
And that is one more good, young DE than there are good, young NTs on the roster. Among the second tier guys, there is Pitoitua and Gilbert, who are both more suited to be DE than NT. Who is the second tier young NT? Maybe Tevaseu, but he's more third tier. There is little young depth at DE, but more than there is at NT.
Heyward is someone ive been watching closely at least the few Big 10 games I can catch. he jumped out to me 2 years ago as a perfect 3-4 DE. also the versatility to be a 3 technique under tackle in a 4-3. love his toughness if hes not moving his guy back hes moving sideline to sideline to put himself in position. hes 2nd rd quality IMO though which makes it a moot point unless were trading back.
