Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jarius Hayes (North Alabama) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #212 by ARI

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Jarius Hayes (1996 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Jarius Hayes
• College: University of North Alabama
• Position: Defensive Back

Overview:

Jarius Hayes entered the 1996 NFL Draft as an intriguing prospect from the University of North Alabama. Known for his speed and agility, Hayes showcased his skills at the collegiate level, making a name for himself with impressive performances in both coverage and tackling.

Strengths:

• Speed: Hayes possesses excellent straight-line speed, making him a threat in both man and zone coverage.
• Ball Skills: He demonstrated a strong ability to track the ball and make plays on it, evidenced by his interception numbers during his college career.
• Work Ethic: Coaches praised his dedication to improving his game, often putting in extra time in the film room and on the practice field.
• Versatility: Hayes has the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, which adds value for NFL teams looking for flexible defensive backs.

Weaknesses:

• Experience Level: Coming from a smaller program, there were concerns about the level of competition he faced compared to other top prospects.
• Physicality: While he was a solid tackler, there were questions about his ability to handle larger, more physical receivers in the NFL.
• Consistency: Scouts noted that while Hayes had flashes of brilliance, he needed to work on being more consistent in his performance throughout games.

Projected Draft Round: Mid to Late Rounds

Given his skill set and potential, Jarius Hayes was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1996 NFL Draft. Teams looking for depth in their secondary and a player with upside were likely to take a chance on him.

Conclusion:

Jarius Hayes was viewed as a developmental prospect with the potential to contribute at the professional level. His combination of speed, ball skills, and versatility made him an appealing choice for NFL teams willing to invest in his growth.