Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Hayward Clay (Texas A&M) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #201 by STL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Hayward Clay - 1996 NFL Draft

Player Profile: Hayward Clay
College: Texas A&M
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 240 lbs

Strengths:

• Physicality: Clay is known for his aggressive playing style and physical presence on the field. He is not afraid to make hard tackles and can shed blocks effectively.
• Speed: He possesses good lateral quickness and can cover ground quickly, making him an asset in both run defense and pass coverage.
• Intelligence: Clay shows a strong understanding of defensive schemes, allowing him to read plays and react appropriately, which is crucial for a linebacker.
• Leadership: As a key player for Texas A&M, he demonstrated leadership qualities both on and off the field, often directing teammates and motivating them during games.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency: At times, Clay has struggled with maintaining consistent performance, particularly in coverage situations against faster receivers or tight ends.
• Injury History: He had some injury concerns during his college career, which may raise red flags for NFL teams regarding his durability.
• Pass Coverage: While he is solid against the run, there are questions about his ability to cover in space, which could limit his effectiveness in certain defensive schemes.

Overall Assessment:

Hayward Clay is viewed as a player with significant potential due to his physical attributes and football intelligence. While he may not be a top-tier linebacker, teams looking for a solid contributor who can develop into a starter may take a chance on him in the mid to late rounds of the draft. His ability to impact the game on defense, coupled with his leadership skills, makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps.