Ohio State defensive end and potential Patriots draftee Cameron Heyward is present at the Senior Bowl, but not participating after undergoing Tommy John Surgery earlier in the month.
Heyward has emerged as one of the top defensive linemen available in this year’s draft, and so figures to be a potential first round target for the New England Patriots.
Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald caught up to Heyward on Tuesday and asked about his surgery, and the possibility of playing for the Pats:
“I’m rehabbing,” Heyward told me. “I had surgery on my elbow after the Bowl game, Tommy John surgery, basically. But I’m not a pitcher, so I should be back a little sooner."
“I’m happy to go wherever. The Patriots obviously want a five-technique, I feel like I could help them. I’m a very versatile guy that can play any position and hopefully I can contribute to any team possible.”
While Heyward expects to be able to participate some in the draft combine, the injury could set him back in his rookie year—especially important for a DE who will be expected to add weight to fit in the Patriots’ 3-4 scheme.