Miami Dolphins select Ryan Hayes in 7th round of 2023 NFL Draft
The Miami Dolphins selected Michigan offensive lineman Ryan Hayes with the No. 238 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hayes helped Michigan win two Big Ten titles in a row and make the College Football Playoff semifinals twice. He should be a solid pro.
Hayes was listed at 6-7, 305 during his final season at Michigan. He ran a 5.18-second 40-yard dash (18 of 36 offensive linemen), with a 1.78-second 10-yard split (11th of 36). The 10-yard split is considered almost more important for the position, and he was only four tenths of a second short of what NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah called an “elite” 1.74 time.
As a member of the Class of 2018, Hayes was a four-star recruit out of Traverse City (Mich.) West, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 6 overall prospect in the state, the No. 27 offensive tackle in the class and the No. 361 overall prospect in the class.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Ryan Hayes
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein broke down the scouting report for Hayes ahead of the draft.
Hayes helped anchor a top offensive line for the Wolverines. Michigan’s starting five won the Joe Moore Award two years in a row.
The technique is there for Hayes, but the length might be concerning for NFL teams, according to Zierlein.
“Two-year starter at left tackle for a unit that won consecutive Joe Moore Awards (best offensive line in college football),” Zierlein wrote. “He’s tall and plays with good technique and strong hands, but Hayes is missing functional length as a tackle. He tough at the point of attack and gets into space with athletic movements but he plays with a slightly elevated pad level that could slow a transition inside to guard.
“He’s solid in pass protection, but he plays with an average anchor and might not have the range to keep speed rushers from tormenting the pocket. He could become an average player at tackle or guard in the pros.”