2011 NFL Draft Results: Cameron Heyward Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 31

Despite undergoing elbow surgery and missing the NFL combine, Senior Bowl and pro day, Cameron Heyward still found himself selected in the first round of the NFL draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers grabbed Cam with the 31st pick Thursday night, making him the fifth Big Ten defensive lineman taken in the first round. None of those guys walked into a better situation though, as Heyward joins the reigning AFC Champions and Dick LeBeau's notorious 3-4 defense.

This wasn't just a great fit for Heyward though, as the Steelers feel they got their man. Both Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert made it very clear in the press conference following their selection that they feel they got a high character young man who was perfect for their organization. If all of that wasn't enough, they are bringing Heyward back to a place where he has lots of history, as his dad, "Ironhead" Heyward, starred for Pitt. Colbert had this to say about the whole situation in the presser:

"Coach Tomlin talked to him and Art (Rooney) talked to him. His mother’s family is from Highland Park. Of course, 'Ironhead' (father, Craig Heyward) played for Pitt. There are a lot of ties and it was something we hoped could happen. You’ll have to ask him, but I’m pretty sure he was excited about the possibility of coming here. Again, it looks like the stars aligned for us today, and again we feel real fortunate. I hope and I’m real positive that Cameron (Heyward) feels the same."

Awesome story for the Steelers, Heyward and Buckeye Nation.