Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

William Hayes (Winston-Salem St.) - 2008 NFL Draft Pick #103 by TEN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for William Hayes (2008 NFL Draft)

College: Winston-Salem State University
Position: Defensive End/Outside Linebacker

Overview

William Hayes was a standout defensive player known for his strong athleticism and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His performance at Winston-Salem State garnered attention from NFL scouts, making him a prospect to watch in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Strengths

• Physicality: Hayes possesses a strong, athletic build, allowing him to shed blockers effectively.
• Quick First Step: His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage makes him a threat to opposing quarterbacks.
• Versatility: Capable of playing multiple positions along the defensive line and as a linebacker, providing valuable flexibility.
• Work Ethic: Known for his dedication to improving his technique and conditioning, making him a coachable player.

Weaknesses

• Level of Competition: Played at a lower level of competition in college, raising questions about how his skills will translate to the NFL.
• Inconsistency: At times, Hayes struggled with maintaining high-level performance against stronger opponents.
• Pass Rush Technique: Needs refinement in his pass-rushing moves to be effective against elite offensive tackles.

Projection

William Hayes was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft. His potential for development and versatility made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defensive front. If he could translate his college success into the NFL, he had the potential to become a valuable contributor on defense.

Conclusion

With the right coaching and opportunity, William Hayes had the tools to make an impact at the professional level. Teams would need to assess his readiness to compete and his ability to adapt to the higher level of play in the NFL.