The 2023 NFL Draft class is deep and talented on both sides of the ball, including the offensive line, where Michigan guard Ryan Hayes looks to hear his name called early on Day 3 after a successful career at tackle for the Maize and Blue.
While most of the conversation has been focused on the top names in the class, what does Haye’s scouting report suggest about his NFL Draft stock?
Ryan Hayes NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Guard
- School: Michigan
- Year: Graduate Senior
The No. 5 prospect in the state of Michigan and No. 21 offensive tackle in the nation, Hayes elected to play for the University of Michigan rather than follow in the footsteps of his parents, where his father, Mike, played football at Central Michigan, and his mother Sue is in the Hall of Fame after a successful basketball career.
After playing defensive end and tight end in high school, Ryan Hayes found his home on the offensive line. He did not see any action during his freshman year but appeared in 12 games on the offensive line, including two starts as a sophomore in 2019. Hayes played right and left tackle and contributed on special teams as a blocker.
Hayes started two games during the 2020 season in which Michigan canceled their season early, but he returned in 2021 to start all 14 games at left tackle. Earning his third varsity letter, Hayes was a part of the unit that won the Joe Moore Award, given to the top offensive line in the nation. A second-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches, Hayes was also an honorable mention by the media.
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Returning as a graduate student, Hayes earned his fourth varsity letter after starting 12 games at LT and helped Michigan become the only school ever to win the Joe Moore Award in consecutive seasons.
Hayes was awarded Offensive Player of the Game three times and was on the Rotary Lombardi Award midseason watchlist. In total, Hayes appeared in 40 games during his time with the Maize and Blue, with 29 starts at left tackle. A three-time academic All-Big Ten honoree and two-time All-Big Ten selection, he became one of the most successful offensive linemen to wear the winged helmet.
Hayes is a big man at left tackle, measuring in at 6’6″ and 298 pounds with 32 1/2-inch arms and 10-inch hands. However, he’s not the quickest, running the 40-yard dash in 5.18 seconds with a 1.71 10-yard split, a vertical jump of 30 inches, and a broad jump of 8’7″.
Yet, with over 2,100 snaps logged and only four sacks credited to his name, what does Hayes’ scouting report suggest are the strengths and areas for improvement for him as he moves closer to the 2023 NFL Draft?
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Ryan Hayes
Strengths: Hard-working and efficient college left tackle who bends his knees, blocks with leverage, and works his hands throughout the action. Patient, stays square, and displays above-average footwork sliding off the edge. Keeps his feet moving and makes great use of angles. Solid run blocker who can be devastating at the point of attack.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t play like a great athlete. Overextends into blocks on occasion. Struggles to adjust. Arms measure under 33 inches. May have to move inside to guard.
Overall: Hayes was a terrific starter for a Michigan team that liked to run the ball with a quarterback who scrambled all over the place. He’s efficient and gets the most from his ability, yet lacks great upside. His arm length may force a move into guard, but Hayes offers starting potential in a system that doesn’t require him to zone block.
Ryan Hayes Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 298 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 1/2″
- Hand Size: 10″
- Bench Press: DNP
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.18 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 30″
- Broad Jump: 8’7″
Michigan G Ryan Hayes Current Draft Projection
Despite his success at Michigan, there are questions about Hayes’ length and whether he would be better suited to play guard at the NFL level. This is likely impacting his draft projection, but if anything, it could turn Hayes into a better value should things pan out.
Currently, Hayes is the G9 in Tony Pauline’s Big Board and the 162nd overall ranked player. With a draft grade of 3.44, Hayes has a draft projection that places him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
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Hayes has the size, and the mean streak NFL teams will value. He’s more than functional in both the run and the pass, and even if he’s not viewed as a long-term starting option for an offense at tackle, kicking him inside to guard could set him up on a path of success. While Hayes would be a great addition on his own in terms of depth, there is undeniably a path where, with the right coaching, Hayes becomes an every-down starter.