A well-traveled journeyman edge rusher who has bounced from Pitt to Colorado to Texas A&M, Hayes brings SEC-tested experience and a quick first step that generates pressure off the snap. His speed-to-power conversion flashes when he lands his hands, but the pass rush repertoire is limited and he gets washed at the point of attack against NFL-caliber power. The injury history at Colorado and the lack of a breakout season at any stop raise durability and ceiling concerns. This is a late Day 3 or priority UDFA profile — a rotational rush end who needs a creative defensive coordinator to put him in one-on-one situations where his burst can win.

• 🏎️Quick first step and upfield burst off the snap create initial disruption before blockers can set
• 🃏Versatile alignment history — has lined up at 0, 4, 5, 7, and 9 techniques across his career
• 🏎️Lean, athletic frame at 6'3" 264 carries weight well and allows him to play faster than his size
• 🎯Effective speed-to-power conversion when he lands his hands on target

• 🏎️Limited pass rush counter moves — when the initial speed rush is stalled, he lacks a plan B
• 🪵Struggles with gap integrity in run defense, particularly against pulling blockers at the point of attack
• −Injury history shortened his Colorado tenure and raises long-term durability questions
• −Never produced a true breakout season despite playing at three programs over six years