NFL Draft 2011: Would Cameron Heyward Work for New Orleans in the First Round?

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New Orleans Saints Draft: Should the Saints go defensive end in the first round?

There is some speculation that Mark Ingram is slipping in the first round of the draft and could be available to team's previously thought to not have a chance of drafting him. One of those teams is New Orleans, which is hoping to solidify an already packed but injury-prone backfield.

Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. doesn't think the Saints should pick a running back in the first round, even if Ingram is there for the taking. He believes that addressing defensive concerns is more important early in the draft for the Saints.

At 24th overall, the Saints will have their pick of several promising defensive line talents. One is Ohio Sate defensive end Cameron Heyward. Heyward was a force at tackle and end for multiple seasons in the Big Ten.

The Saints went with an Ohio State defensive end in the first round in 2004 when they picked Will Smith. That turned out to be a solid pick. Smith has recorded at least 5.5 sacks every season but one and has been in double digits twice. He racked up 13 quarterback take-downs in 2009.

Heyward has much the same style as Smith. He's big and strong with a surprising quickness to him. At the end of the day, both rely on attention to the fundamental details to get them to the quarterback.

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