Robert Ayers
NFL Draft Scouting Report

Defensive End

Tennessee


College Position: Defensive End
School: Tennessee
Grade: Senior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 270
Birthdate:
Draft Projection: Second
Overall Rank: Unranked
NFL Draft Position (Rank): Defensive End (5)

Draft Result

Drafted in the 2009 Draft by the Denver Broncos in the 1st round with the #18 pick.
Great at stopping the run, but does not generate much of a pass rush. Denver still has to address more needs on defense before they improve, but this is a start.

Mock Draft Results

Strengths

Came%20out%20of%20nowhere%20as%20a%20senior%20to%20position%20himself%20to%20be%20a%20first%20day%20pick%20in%20the%202009%20NFL%20Draft.%20%20In%20a%20draft%20full%20of%20undersized%20defensive%20ends%2C%20Ayers%20standouts%20out%20for%20having%204-3%20DE%20size%206'3%20(6'3%20270).%20%20Above%20average%20athlete%20who%20shows%20a%20nice%20combination%20of%20power%20and%20speed.%20%20Sheds%20blocks%20well%20and%20showed%20the%20ability%20to%20make%20plays%20in%20the%20opposing%20backfield%20as%20senior.%20Has%20experience%20moving%20inside%20on%20passing%20downs.%20%20A%20standout%20at%20the%202009%20Senior%20Bowl.%20%20All-SEC%20first%20team%20on%20a%20bad%20Tennessee%20team%20as%20a%20senior.

Weaknesses

Not%20a%20great%20pass%20rusher%20or%20tackler.%20Only%20had%209%20sacks%20in%20his%20entire%20Tennessee%20career%20(and%20just%204%20during%20his%20breakout%20senior%20year).%20A%20bit%20of%20a%20one%20year%20wonder.%20%20Was%20merely%20an%20average%20player%20prior%20to%20his%20senior%20season.%20%20Has%20had%20maturity%20issues%20prior%20to%202008.%20%20Is%20he%20a%20late%20bloomer%20or%20someone%20who%20just%20turned%20on%20the%20lightbulb%20for%20a%20NFL%20payday.

News

2009 NFL Draft Grades (Chris' Take) - Apr 29 (Chris Maier)
2009 NFL Draft Report Card: AFC West - Apr 28 (Dan Wernery)
2009 NFL Draft: Day One Winners, Losers and More - Apr 25 (Chris Maier)
2009 NFL Draft: 7 Stories To Watch - Apr 24 (Chris Maier)
Dan Wernery Plays GM for 32 teams: Where do I draft a DE or 3-4 OLB? - Mar 21 (Dan Wernery)
2009 NFL Scouting Combine: Who and What to Watch - Feb 15 (Chris Maier)
2009 Senior Bowl Recap - Defense: Studs and Duds - Jan 29 (Chris Maier)
2009 Senior Bowl Rosters: South - Jan 18 (Chris Maier)