Grading System

GERALD HAYES

Position: ILB Class: Sr School: Pittsburgh Conference: Big East Ht., Wt.: 6'1, 239 40 Time: 4.71 Grade: 3.77 Selected by Arizona Cardinals Round 3, pick 6 (70 overall)

BIO: Three time Big East selection who led the team with 133 tackles as a senior, also accumulating 19 tackles for loss, two sacks, while also posting two INTs and breaking up four passes. Named to several All-America teams in 2002. Junior tackling numbers were 104-15-6.5, after 104-10-3 as a sophomore, when he first led the team in tackles. Used mostly at inside linebacker for Pitt but lined up on the strong side during the Senior Bowl. POSITIVES: Hard hitting linebacker who viciously attacks opposing ball carriers. Quick to read or anticipate the action, takes good angles to the play and stays on his feet. Works through the traffic and adequate speed to the flanks, giving top effort. Squares into tackles, wrapping up ball carriers and bringing them down on initial contact. Forceful up the field and adequate skills covering the pass in zone. NEGATIVES: Lacks the flat out speed and does not flash on the scene. Cannot quickly alter his angle of attack nor is he smooth changing direction. Never productive in pass coverage, or a defender that shows great range when the ball's in the air. ANALYSIS: May eventually develop into a starting strong side linebacker but will need some time to adjust and improve his pass defense skills. PROJECTION: Late Second Round Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images