2015 NFL Draft Profile: Ben Heeney

Ben Heeney has arguably been KU's best defender for the past two seasons.  One of three Jayhawks invited to the NFL Combine, Heeney has been making a name for himself in scouting circles.

2014 Stats

88 solo tackles, 39 assists, 127 total tackles

12.0 tackles for loss

1.5 sacks, 4 QB hurries

2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery

1 INT for 37 yards

Pro Day/Combine Results

Height/Weight: 6'0", 231 lbs

Hands: 9 inches

Arm length: 30 3/4 inches

40-yard dash: 4.59 seconds

225 lb bench press: 19 reps

Vertical jump: 33.5 inches

Broad jump: 120.0 inches (10'0")

3-cone drill: 6.68 seconds

20-yard shuttle: 4.00 seconds

60-yard shuttle: 11.06 seconds

Heeney finished first among players at his position (ILB) at the combine in the 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, and 60-yard shuttle.

Strengths

Loved by coaches; is a hard worker.  Constantly watching film trying to gain any advantage.  Always looking to make things happen on the field.  Always around the ball.  Big motor and willing to take chances.  Never comes off the field.  Smart and instinctive, reads and reacts well to developing plays.  Physical, wrap-up tackler.

Weaknesses

Lacks size to take on NFL blockers.  Subpar pass defender in space; only one pass defensed in 2014.  Has instincts but needs to be honed.  Guesses too much.  Is always around the ball but led the NCAA in missed tackles.  Lacks athleticism to recover from mistakes in the running game.  Takes overaggressive angles and will misjudge speed of ballcarriers at times.

Prediction

Heeney's strengths should allow him to be an immediate impact at the NFL level.  His mentality will impress coaches, and should play immediately on special teams while he is sculpted, honed, and learns linebacker at the NFL level.

Heeney is rated as a Top-10 ILB prospect by multiple scouts and mock drafts.

Look for Ben to go in Round 4 at the earliest, and should definitely hear his name called sometime before Round 7.  As of 4/27/15, Drafttek.com has Heeney predicted to go to the New York Football Giants with the 8th pick in Round 5, #144 overall.  NFL.com predicts Heeney to go in Round 5 or 6.

Look for Ben to go sometime on day three of the draft - Saturday - in Round 5.

Plenty of highlights available at captainheeney.com