The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
Heyward is a classic “five-technique” defensive end prospect for a 3-4 scheme. Ironhead’s son goes 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, and is considered difficult to move at the point of attack. Though Heyward wasn’t a difference-making pass rusher in the Big Ten, he did notch a respectable 37.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks for his career.
Many observers will be surprised that Pittsburgh didn’t use its first-round pick on a cornerback or offensive lineman. It appears Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert didn’t deem any remaining players from those positions valuable enough for No. 31 overall.
Heyward will compete for year-one playing time with Aaron Smith, Ziggy Hood, and Brett Keisel.
