Bengals: UDFA Shaka Heyward gets kudos from The Athletic
The Cincinnati Bengals have been busy gathering undrafted free agents now that the NFL Draft has concluded. Their list contains some prospects that have potential like Tulane safety Larry Brooks III, Auburn wide receiver Shedrick Jackson, and Utah State running back Calvin Tyler Jr. However, The Athletic pointed to one player specifically to keep an […]
The Cincinnati Bengals have been busy gathering undrafted free agents now that the NFL Draft has concluded.
Their list contains some prospects that have potential like Tulane safety Larry Brooks III, Auburn wide receiver Shedrick Jackson, and Utah State running back Calvin Tyler Jr. However, The Athletic pointed to one player specifically to keep an eye on in the Bengals' UDFA haul.
Shaka Heyward, a four-year contributor at Duke, was given that distinction.
A cousin of Pittsburgh Steelers Cam and Connor Heyward (and their dad, the late Craig “Ironhead” Heyward), Shaka was a three-year starter at Duke. He has good size at 6-2, 235 pounds and great speed (4.53 40; 1.54 10-yard split) with elite length (34-inch arms). There’s something about those Heyward boys — they seem to find a way.
Heyward was an extremely consistent performer for the Blue Devils.
As a redshirt freshman in 2019, Heyward racked up 68 tackles (6.5 tackles for loss), 3.5 sacks, an interception, and two fumble recoveries. A year later, Heyward upped his game to 79 tackles (8.5 tackles for loss), three sacks, a fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown.
Heyward received third-team All-ACC accolades in 2021 as he amassed 97 tackles (10.5 tackles for loss), three sacks, and an interception. As a senior, Heyward garnered Honorable Mention All-ACC honors with 93 tackles (six tackles for loss), two sacks, two interceptions, six pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries.
Hayward scouting report via Pro Football Network:
Instinctive defender who has been a top linebacker at Duke the past four years. Smooth and fluid, flows laterally to the action, and keeps plays in front of him. Remains disciplined with assignments, doesn’t bite on ball fakes, and quickly locates the ball handler. Breaks down well and uses his hands to protect himself. Gets depth on pass drops, immediately diagnoses plays, and takes proper angles to the action. Wraps up tackling.
As rookie minicamp sets to begin for the Bengals, Heyward gets to see if his NFL lineage rubs off on him and earns a roster spot.
