Mock Draft 4.0: Falcons select DE Cameron Heyward
Cameron Heyward picks up a fumble and returns it for a short gain. The defensive tackle who earlier in the season against Miami returned an interception 80 yards, called the short fumble recovery return "unacceptable." (Terry Gilliam, Associated Press)
BIRDLAND – With the 27th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Falcons will select Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward.
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Cameron Heyward speaking to the media at the NFL scouting combine. (Associated Press)
The set of defensive ends for the upcoming draft is talented and one will slip to the Falcons. Offensive tackle, cornerback and possibly wide receiver will also be considered with the 27th pick.
Heyward had elbow surgery this offseason and hasn’t been able to lift for NFL scouts. However, there is plenty of tape of him destroying Big Ten offenses.
Pro Football Weekly’s Nolan Nawrocki is not a big fan of Heyward’s. Nawrocki is the scribe who had the scathing review of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. In the Pro Football Weekly’s 2011 Draft preview, Nawrocki wrote this about Heyward:
“Looks like Tarzan and does not play like Jane, but will always leave evaluators wanting more. Overrated and Overhyped.”
Former Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green with his agents Tom Condon (L) and Ben Dogra (R). (D. Orlando Ledbetter/DLedbetter@ajc.com)
Heyward is 6-foot-5, 294-pounds. Has started 43 of 52 games in four seasons at Ohio State. He recorded 163 tackles, 37½ tackles for loss, 15½ sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Also, in Mock 4.0 we have Newton going to Carolina with the top pick. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is headed to Cincinnati, Ryan Mallett to Minnesota and Jake Locker to Seattle.
“I don’t think there’s a Matt Ryan or Sam Bradford in this class,” ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said. “What do I mean by that? At the time that those quarterbacks came out, last year with Bradford and two years ago with Matt Ryan. . .I just had no doubt in my mind those guys were ready mentally and physically to contribute in the NFL.”
Some are starting to place Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones ahead of A.J. Green in their mock drafts. That’s a mistake.
“Throw the combine numbers out and just study the tape of these two receivers,” McShay said. “Julio Jones is very, very, very good, but A.J. Green is special. I think he’s at a different level.”
Well, I got a little ambitious for this Mock draft and went ahead and made all of the picks for the Falcons.
PROJECTED 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS DRAFT PICKS
Ricardo Lockette at the NFL scouting combine. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/DLedbetter@ajc.com)
First Round: 27 – Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Second Round: 59 – Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy
Third Round: 91 – James Carpenter, OT, Alabama
Fourth Round: 124 – Akeem Dent, LB, Georgia
Fifth Round: 158 – Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville
Sixth Round: 192 – Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware
Seventh Round: 209 – Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State. 228 – Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State. 229 – Byron Maxwell, CB, Clemson.
LAST POLL RESULTS: Who should the Falcons select with the 27th pick in the draft?
* Trade out of the first round and amass picks (40%, 266 Votes)
* Missouri DE Aldon Smith (37%, 247 Votes)
* Pittsburgh WR Jonathan Baldwin (15%, 100 Votes)
* Mississippi State OT Derek Sherrod (8%, 60 Votes)
Total Voters: 673
AJC’s 2011 Mockiavelli 4.0
Staff writer D. Orlando Ledbetter projects the first round:
Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton (2) throws a pass as Chattanooga's La'Nard Carr (96) moves in during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
1. Carolina: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn: I found it instructive that Carolina general manager Marty Hurney spoke up after the shameless bashing of Newton by Pro Football Weekly.
2. Denver: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: He’s a prototype defensive tackle.
3. Buffalo: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M: After whiffing on Aaron Maybin with the 11th pick in 2009, Chan Gailey gets a legitimate defender in Miller.
4. Cincinnati: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: The Bengals QB situation is up in the air with Carson Palmer demanding a trade.
Monday February 28, 04:10 PM Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
5. Arizona: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: The Cardinals need to add some more bite to their defense.
6. Cleveland: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia: The Browns have to surround Colt McCoy with some weapons.
7. San Francisco: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: He could take over as the 49ers’ press cornerback.
8. Tennessee: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson. The Titans hope to get perhaps the top pass rusher in the draft.
9. Dallas: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska. The Cowboys need help in the secondary and will go for the big cornerback here.
10. Washington: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: Started his college career as at tight end at Central Michigan. He played hockey in his youth.
11. Houston: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina: He worked out as a standup linebacker for 3-4 teams during his workout at Carolina’s Pro Day and was impressive.
12. Minnesota: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas: The Vikings have to make a move at quarterback and they decide to roll the dice on Mallett’s big arm.
Mike Mayock has Missouri's Blaine Gabbert as the top rated quarterbackentering the NFL scouting combine. Gabbert throws a pass during his team’s Setp. 19, 2009, game against Furman in Columbia, Mo. (The Associated Press/L.G. Patterson)
13. Detroit: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College: The Lions have to get some protection for Matthew Stafford.
14. St. Louis: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: The Rams get a weapon for quarterback Sam Bradford.
15. Miami: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama: The Dolphins look to improve their rushing attack.
16. Jacksonville: Cameron Jordan, DE, California: Steve Jordan, his father, was a six-time Pro Bowler at tight end for the Vikings.
17. New England: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado: He’s a massive anchor at 6-foot-8 ¼ and 314 pounds.
18. San Diego: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri: They Chargers get some help for their defense. Smith could contribute as a pass rusher immediately.
19. New York Giants: Tyron Smith, OT, USC: The Giants can’t pass up this blend of athleticism and power.
20. Tampa Bay: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue: The Bucs drafted defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price last season. This year they try to get some help at defensive end.
21. Kansas City: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin: Projects as a right tackle in the NFL. He played left tackle for the
Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 28, 2011. (Associated Press)
Badgers.
22. Indianapolis: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois: The Colts elect to get a disruptive force for the middle of their defense.
23. Philadelphia: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado: He is rugged with his hands in press coverage. He is a tall corner at 6-2 3/8.
24. New Orleans: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: “Clayborn’s stock has dropped to a certain extent because of that arm situation,” Kiper said. “He’s dropped to the late first round.”
25. Seattle: Jake Locker, QB, Washington: He will get a chance to sit and watch Matt Hasselbeck for a year or two. Locker is athletic, but needs to work on his accuracy.
26. Baltimore: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami: He was a three-year starter for the Hurricanes.
27. Atlanta: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State: Some are worried that he’s adding weight while rehabbing from an elbow injury.
FILE - This Nov. 7, 2009, file photo shows Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis (9) being sacked by North Carolina's Robert Quinn (42), left, and Zach Brown (47) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., The NCAA declared defensive end Robert Quinn permanently ineligible, the team said Monday, Oct. 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)
28. New England: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida: The Patriots stay along the line here.
29. Chicago: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor: Is shooting up draft boards. Started his career at Penn State, but transferred after running into some legal problems.
30. New York Jets: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia: The Jets are counting on Houston developing into a big-play artist.
31. Pittsburgh: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State: The Steelers have to improve their offensive line.
32. Green Bay: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech: He’s a hard-charging runner, who’ll fit in the offense nicely.
ON THE FRINGE
Pittsburgh wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, right, makes a catch for a first down over Notre Dame cornerback Darrin Walls in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009. Pittsburgh won 27-22. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Akeem Ayers , LB, UCLA
Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Titus Young, WR, Boise State
Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
Danny Watkins, OL, Baylor
Martrez Wilson, LB, Illinois
Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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93 comments Add your comment
cwltank
April 4th, 2011
1:17 pm
I rather they trade for more picks to go with a Heyward. He is big & average speed, so that will make him 4th on the debt chart. I really doubt he will be the pick.
cwltank
April 4th, 2011
1:20 pm
I rather they trade out of the 1st rd than
for them to draft Heyward.
cwltank
April 4th, 2011
1:21 pm
Heyward is a good player but I rather they trade out of the 1st rd than to draft him.
reginald
April 4th, 2011
1:23 pm
falcons need to try and get robert quinn or bowers, in the second round get a cover corner like patrick from louisville also in the third go after stevan ridley rb from lsu..they can get wr in the forth round like little from north carolina…than improve on depth with ol and dline…please dont pick the lockette kid he cant catch and ive seen him play for three years now he didnt dominate at fort valley he is only a track guy only and he is overaged athlete which i think he is 25 years old already
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
1:30 pm
1Michael — Too high for Quizz. Like most of the other picks.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
1:32 pm
eddie — I don’t think they’ll spend that much money after spending a lot last year on Dunta.
coachx
April 4th, 2011
2:57 pm
Cameron Heyward is 5 technique in a 3-4………….not a 4-3 DE.
Love the rest of the mock.
coachx
April 4th, 2011
2:59 pm
Jernigan in Round #2 would be ideal………..then I think they are going after a OLB or nickle back a look in the 3rd round.
I think they give D. Locke / RB a hard look in round 4 if he is still there. His sub 4.4 speed on a team that normally plays 11 of its 16 games on artificial turf would be a dangerous weapon to have.
Paddy
April 4th, 2011
3:02 pm
Marcus….I would not be opposed to the Falcons giving Slyvester a try-out. I only saw him play one game (in Tallahassee) and he looked like a good Div 1AA back. Good against his competition that day but no wow factor. Just solid!
Dawg Consultant
April 4th, 2011
3:08 pm
Lester Miles, that may be the most idiotic take on a blog I have read in some time, and that my friend, is saying something. Please stop drinking whatever it is you are drinking. You honestly believe if a kid is from Georgia, but decided to play out of state instead of accepting a scholarship from one of our state universities, he should no be allowed to return to the state to seek employment? Wow, just when I thought I had heard it all….
Head-Mo-Fo
April 4th, 2011
4:12 pm
This would be a good year for us to move down. We can give up our first round pick and grab a few extra picks. We should be able to move down from our 27th pick with a team that wants a QB but didn’t take one high. We should be able to pick up a their 2nd rounder (plus) and turn that extra pick into a pretty good player. Two 2nd rounders could mean: DE (Romeus/Acho) and TE (Rudolf). Two 2nd rounders could mean DE and OT. Two 2nd rounders could mean CB and RB. Two 2nd rounders could mean WR and OG.
Paddy
April 4th, 2011
4:13 pm
Lester Miles…..you give a whole new meaning to the term “uneducated”, WOW!!! Did you not realize that when any player is drafted he has no say in what state, city or team he will be playing for. My suggestion is, never go to a game anywhere or turn on a tv, you are bound to be dissapointed in what you see. I thought cavemen were all dead!!!! No room in your heart for a kid choosing a school he likes. The coaches he likes. The teammates he wants to play with.
Einsteindawg
April 4th, 2011
4:21 pm
With a rookie salary of $500,000 and playing incentives of up to $5M the first two years, you would see some really good football. The structure in place now usually produces mediocrity.
Mike
April 4th, 2011
4:40 pm
Remember, TD has yet to pick a player from the Big Ten.
Falcons relax...
April 4th, 2011
5:29 pm
D-led did you ever surprise me. C’mon D….Heyward. Hes a 5 technique. I guessing you just threw something together since you can’t predict if teams will trade back and forth. But I think in that situation if poucney is on board they will definitely get him OR TRADE BACK IN THAT SITUATION. I doubt TD will reach for a DE that isn’t 1st round grade. And don’t like the jerrigan pick in the 2nd round. How will he contribute?
Rob
April 4th, 2011
5:58 pm
Trade up for AJ keep him in red and black!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
6:48 pm
kd — Do your homework. Cam can play in 4-3 and 3-4.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
6:51 pm
Mike Jay — Coach Smith is confident in the staff’s ability to develop corners (Grimes). He noted that Owens was hurt and that he can play inside or outside. So, I think they like their top three corners. Also, Franks is in the developmental stage. It’s been hard to do any work on free agency with the lockout.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
6:52 pm
Reginald — I don’t think Quinn or Bowers are slipping to 27. I could make the pick if that happens.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
6:55 pm
Seen — Thanks, for the cutline notice.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
7:10 pm
Falcons 2011 — Kris Durham had a great Pro Day. He was productive in college. I’m not sure he’s on their radar screen.
cwltank
April 4th, 2011
7:17 pm
I still think we need a reciever whether a rookie or free agent we need a play maker.
Lester Miles
April 4th, 2011
7:28 pm
PMC, DAWG CONSULTANT, COW PADDY. I knew you dimwits could not hold back your ignorance and stupidity. I don’t hate anyone, don’t drink or smoke, or do drugs. Only a moron would do any of those things but I do have a right to have an opinion without a bunch of high school dropouts attacking me personally. I wonder if any of you were born in Georgia, You sound like the kind of bum Jughead is– Moving into the state for employment if you are old enough to work or have an inclination to. FYI Dawg Crap some of us own homes and our tax money goes to the schools but since you probably rent a trailer you wouldn’t undrstand that. I’ll waste no more time on you nitwits so go on and show your stupidity and Have a great day.
Paddy
April 4th, 2011
7:56 pm
Lester Miles…..I don’t believe you need to say anything else. I think we all suspect that you are lacking some spots on your dice.
North Ave Trade School Hater
April 4th, 2011
8:45 pm
Not a chance if Justin Houston is still available
A. Thomas
April 4th, 2011
9:30 pm
Not that high on Heyward but over all, nice mock DOL. A lot of people say we should address TE in the early rounds but I disagree. If there was prospect with rare skills then yes but I don’t see any V. Davises or Dustin Kellers or anything close this year. My favorite pick was Julius Thomas in the 7th (not just because his great name). Thomas’ hands looked incredible and his route running was really smooth in his combine highlights. Another sleeper could be Jeffery Anderson out of UAB (Roddy’s alma mater). His youtube highlights look great! he’ll almost definitely be there in the 7th or could be a UFA.
cwww
April 4th, 2011
10:49 pm
I dont know if you watched any LSU games this year but this kid they had Drake Nevis was a beast, he spent the entire Fla and Alabama game breaking through lines and hammering QB’s and RB, I think we could get him 2 or 3 round. I think worth a pick, Also WR from Auburn dont know his name but was a stud comming out early.
Facethenation
April 5th, 2011
1:01 am
Carolina, please do not take Cam Newton! We have enough problems facing Drew Brees and Josh Freeman twice each year. I do not want someone as talented as Cam added to the mix.
Marcel Dareius of Alabama looks awesome to me. Please take him or Nick Fairley.
VChan
April 5th, 2011
8:26 am
Who died and made Narwocki the master of the Universe? Never heard of the guy and now he can tell from seeing someone on tv that they arent a leader? Wow, I didnt know draft “experts” had universal mind control.
Doug
April 5th, 2011
8:47 am
I think the falcons should trade up and take Cam Newton.
We need a QB that can also win in the postseason.
James
April 5th, 2011
10:46 am
Absolutely not!! Attitude is terrible.
boozer
April 5th, 2011
12:12 pm
consensus is that the falcons need to upgrade the dl then why not draft a de and try to get haynesworth from the redskins since he wants to play in a 4-3 scheme: of course the cba has to be done. On the rb issue go after ronnie brown he is a free agent.
boozer
April 5th, 2011
12:17 pm
front 4 of heyward-haynesworth-babineuax-abraham would be a scarry 4-some
Die Hard Falcon
April 5th, 2011
1:31 pm
I like much of the mock draft, I am not big on Heyward for the Falcons, more of a 5 technique (even if he can play 4-3) I still think it’s not the type of DE we need, we need a pass rusher, but w/ the development of Kroy and Sidbury, I don’t think it’s our biggest need in round 1. If something crazy like Quinn fell to us, you nab him, highly unlikely though. I am still big on getting a playmaker, at WR, I’m not opposed to trading up to get Julio Jones if it’s w/ Vikes at 12 or Lions at 13, if the price isn’t too high, otherwise I like Torrey Smith at 27. I wouldn’t mind trading down w/ someone and getting a few extra picks especially if we trade down to the first 10 picks of the 2nd and can also get another 3rd or a 4th & 5th, there’s a lot of value in rounds 2,3,and 4 this year. I like the TE Thomas in the 7th, I just don’t think we’ll get him that late, it’s very en vogue to pick former b-ball TE’s right now and he might need to be picked as early as the 5th to get him, I’d still like him there if TD believes in him, if he’s worth a 7th, I think he’ll be worth a 5th or 6th. Lockette only in round 7, worth the chance there, especially w/ all our 7th rounders this year. I guess we’ll see, must be very difficult to evaluate for GM’s w/o FA figured out or what tags will stick, etc. Fortunately most Falcons will be there, the big names anyway. I guess I’m not sure if Grimes’ tag will stick or not, that’d be a HUGE concern and priority if it’s not, we cannot afford to go backwards in the secondary. Thoughts?
Olik
April 5th, 2011
2:44 pm
Heyward is a bad call. Not the speed rusher we need.
Three paths:
1. Wouldn’t mind Die Hard Falcons’ suggestion to trade down 10-15 spots and picking up a 3rd rounder. Then you’ve got picks in rounds 2, 2, 3, 3, and 4 to take a DE, WR, OT, OLB, TE. Rounds 5,6,7 are for the RB and depth elsewhere. Would see if I could package the 5/6/7 round picks to get back up in the draft.
2. If Green, Jones, Aldon Smith, Bowers, or Quinn are still out there in the late-teens, trade up to get them.
3. If I can’t get a trade done, and the draft plays out like DOL projects, then I’d pick either Houston, Sherrod, or Baldwin instead of Heyward.
Falcon James
April 5th, 2011
7:31 pm
Falcon news must be slim these day! Gots to be something we can talk about. Has the burmuda grass starting growing on the practice field yet?
Chop Buster
April 5th, 2011
7:33 pm
These mocks are pitiful. There’s no way we are taking Heyward with the 27th pick.
Bro. Falcon James
April 5th, 2011
10:01 pm
Let us all pray.
Dear most gracious loving and wonderful heavinly father. We call on you this hour as our hearts are troubled and our souls are in turmoil. Of gracious, loving, father, we pray that you interecede in the labor talks between the two heathern sides even though we know that you don’t get your 10% cut and have been completely left out of the barganing table. Now, oh wonderful one, we pray that you will use your devine powers to bring back football to the ones who love you so much, the Fans. And should you see fit to cause Dunte Robinson a hamstring injury to prevent him playing this years, we would be most gracious. And one last request, Ryan needs a stronger arm. Please help with that also. We ask these things in the most holy of holy names. Amen
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 5th, 2011
10:32 pm
Bro. Falcon James – Call for the collection plate to go around one more time.
Bro. Falcon James
April 5th, 2011
10:42 pm
Now if you would all take the plate and pass it around. Part of the money will go to help buy Brother Ledbetter a new bow tie and a small 85% for administrative costs. The rest will go into research and developement on educating rich heatherns like players and owners that you can’t take the money with you when you go and the Fan’s have the last call. For without the Fan’s, all of you will be broke.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 5th, 2011
10:54 pm
Bro. Falcon James — Thanks. I could use a new bow tie or two. Also, you know since we are praying for football, let’s see if the almighty can reduce the price of Stadium beer to say $2.50. You know, for the fans and all.
Bro. Falcon James
April 5th, 2011
11:00 pm
LOL I am all for that one too. If HE intervenes in the CBA, Dunte;s Hamstrang, and Ryan a stronger arm, maybe we can get the cheap beer too. We will have to ask for the “Fruit of the Vine” though. HE will know what we are talking about!
The War Eagler
April 6th, 2011
9:02 am
The Falcons need to move either way with the 27th pick. There will not be any exceptional value at 27. They could trade down to early 2nd round and still get the speed WR (Torrey Smith, Titus Young, Randall Cobb) and get edge rushing DE in the 3rd. If we draft Heyward or Clayborn at 27 its a wasted pick. Neither of those players will see the field very much. They are not “explosive” players, and that’s exactly what TD is looking to draft. That means speed, especially off the ball. Heyward and Clayborn don’t have that. I would also like RB Mikel Leshoure early in the 2nd. A speedy RB that can catch the ball out of the backfield is an absolute must in this draft. We have a big, slow “grind it out” team that can impose their will on most teams, but SLOW is the key term. We need speed. The other option is to trade up. We could spare one of our mid round picks because we have the 3 picks in the 7th. If we could get in the 12-16 range, we could possibly get Julio Jones. If he is gone, then we could revert back to DE and get Cam Jordan, Aldon Smith, or maybe Quinn.