Steelers select Cameron Heyward in Round 1

In what was a little bit of a surprise, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected DE Cameron Heyward from Ohio State with the 31st pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. 

Heyward projects as a five-technique defensive end and will provide some much needed youth to the Steelers defensive line. Heyward and Ziggy Hood provide the Steelers with long term replacements for Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel. He has great character and an awesome motor. His dad, Craig “Iron Head” Heyward”, starred at Pitt and had a productive NFL career at running back.

It is obvious to me that the Steelers didn’t think Texas CB Aaron Williams was worth a first round pick. He visited Pittsburgh and nearly all of the Steelers coaches watched him work out in Texas. The Steelers probably have a few cornerbacks they are eyeing up later in the draft. Let’s hope so anyway. 

Defensive end in the Steelers system is perhaps the least glamorous position and this isn’t a sexy pick, but Colbert and Co. saw a really solid player in Heyward who will add value and fill a hole for a long, long time and there is nothing wrong with that. This is the kind of pick that makes people go “meh” at the time, but 10 years from now Heyward could be the Aaron Smith to another legendary Steelers defense.

Here are Heyward’s Pro Day results (he did not take part in the combine):

• Height: 6-4 5/8
• Weight: 295
• 40-yard dash: 4.95
• 20-yard time: NA
• 10-yard time: NA
• Bench press: DNP
• Vertical jump: 35
• Broad jump: NA
• Cone drill: NA

Highlights:

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