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Michigan football NFL Draft profiles: OT Ryan Hayes

Anthony Broomeby:Anthony Broome•04/23/23•

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Ryan Hayes
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Michigan football is coming off back-to-back seasons of winning the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in the nation. A big part of that has been the steady play of offensive tackle Ryan Hayes, a former high school tight end who took a postion change to heart and put in the work to get a little better each season.

Hayes appeared in 40 career games in Ann Arbor with 29 starts at left tackle, earning All-Big Ten honors twice (second team, coaches, third team, media in 2022; second team, coaches, honorable mention, media in 2021). He started 26 of Michigan’s 28 games over the last two seasons.

Here is a look at how Hayes profiles to the next level.

Ryan Hayes background info

Height: 6-foot-6

Weight: 298 pounds

School: Michigan

Position: Offensive tackle

Projected: 6th-7th round pick

Measurements (Combine): Height: 6-6, Weight: 298 lbs., Arm: 32 1/2″, Hand: 10″

Combine: Vertical jump: 30″, Broad jump: 8’7″, 40-yard dash: 5.18 seconds, 3-Cone drill: 7.39 seconds, 20-yard shuttle: DNC, Bench press: DNC

Measurements (Pro Day): Height: 6-6 5/8″, Weight: 305 lbs, Wingspan: 79 1/4″, Hand: 9 7/8″

Pro Day: Bench Press: DNC, 40-yard dash: DNC, Vertical jump: DNC, Broad jump: DNC, 3-Cone drill: 7.08, 20-yard shuttle: 4.66

Strengths

Hayes improved his technique greatly in 2022 after an inconsistent showing in 2021, where he was often beat across his face by defenders. He put the work in last offseason and it showed, and improved his power and athleticism as a result. Hayes was a former high school tight end that was courted from Traverse City, Michigan to make a position switch. The work put in was evident with steps forward each year. He does a great job get out in space and get after his opponents. He might also have some versatility at the next level with the potential to kick inside to guard, which would be new territory for him. There is a grit and toughness to his game that has become a staple of offensive linemen coming out of Ann Arbor over the last few seasons.

Weaknesses

While he is a more than adequate athlete, Hayes’ lack of length may be what necessitates a move inside. His pad level has also been inconsistent at times, which is going to require some extra attention, especially if he kicks in to a guard role. He also does not have a standout trait and is instead solid in a ton of areas. Bull rushers are going to give him a rough time, which adds some concern to what may happen when he faces bigger, more physical defensive linemen at the next level. Hayes’ arm length may also cause him to have trouble against speed rushers if he has playing either tackle spot.

Ryan Hayes overview

Hayes feels like another high-floor, low-ceiling Michigan offensive line prospect. He took steps forward each year in Ann Arbor, and perhaps there is upward trajectory in his next stop in the NFL, wherever it may be. Not every offensive tackle prospect out of Ann Arbor is going to be Jake Long, and there are plenty of examples of guys who have found roles as long-term contributors in the later rounds.

Hayes might need some time in the lab improving his functional strength and learning how to play guard, but his experience playing tackle for a power-run oriented offense should serve him well. A long-term move inside could be best for his NFL outlook, but it comes with the knowledge that in a pinch he could give you some reps at tackle. Whether or not he finds a home there is completely dependent on honing in on the finer points of his game and how he holds up against bigger, faster linemen than he saw on a weekly basis in the Big Ten.

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