Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Lester Hayes (College Stats) - 1977 NFL Draft Pick #126 by OAK

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Lester Hayes (1977 NFL Draft)

College: Texas A&M University
Position: Cornerback

Overview

Lester Hayes was a standout cornerback at Texas A&M, known for his exceptional coverage skills and playmaking ability. As the 1977 NFL Draft approached, Hayes was regarded as one of the top defensive backs available.

College Stats

• Year: 1975
• Year: 1976
• Total Interceptions: 8
• Pass Deflections: 15
• Tackles: 75

Strengths

• Ball Skills: Hayes demonstrated an exceptional ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball, resulting in numerous interceptions during his college career.
• Physicality: Known for his physical style of play, he was effective in press coverage and could disrupt receivers' routes.
• Work Ethic: Coaches praised Hayes for his dedication to improving his game, both in practice and during offseason training.
• Intelligence: Hayes displayed a strong understanding of defensive schemes and was able to make adjustments on the fly.

Concerns

• Size: Some scouts worried about his height and weight, questioning whether he could handle larger, more physical receivers in the NFL.
• Injury History: There were some concerns regarding minor injuries that might affect his durability at the professional level.

Projected Draft Position

Lester Hayes was predicted to be selected in the early rounds of the 1977 NFL Draft, with many analysts believing he could be a first or second-round pick due to his skill set and potential impact on a defense.

Conclusion

As the draft approached, Lester Hayes was viewed as a promising talent with the potential to become a key contributor in the NFL, making him one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in the 1977 draft class.