Dayon Hayes DE/EDGE Colorado | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Dayon Hayes DE/EDGE Colorado
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 10/30/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.80 seconds (56%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | |
| Last Updated: 10/30/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.80 seconds (56%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 80.2 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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78% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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77% |
| Pass Rush: |
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71% |
| Run Defense: |
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79% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#286
Position rank:
#52
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| College Games: 41 College Snaps: 1208 | ||
ESPN RATING: 79/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 93/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Marshawn Kneeland - Western Michigan |
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81% |
| Zion Tupuola-Fetui - Washington |
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80% |
| Daelin Hayes - Notre Dame |
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80% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Dayon Hayes enters the NFL draft after a productive four-year career at Pittsburgh, capped by a graduate transfer season at Colorado. The Pittsburgh native recorded 81 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks across 39 games for the Panthers. His breakthrough 2023 season saw him compile 45 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, and 4 sacks while starting 11 games. Hayes earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for his dominant performance against Boston College with 6 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 2 sacks.A former four-star recruit out of Westinghouse High School, Hayes was the Pittsburgh City League's most heralded prospect in two decades. He dominated the high school ranks with 23.5 sacks his senior year and 49.5 sacks over his final two seasons, leading Westinghouse to its first City League title in 23 years. His stellar play earned him Pennsylvania Football Writers All-Class 3A honors and Mr. PA Football Lineman of the Year recognition.
Hayes steadily improved each season at Pittsburgh, going from a rotational piece as a freshman to a full-time starter by his senior year. His versatility showed as he lined up at multiple techniques along the defensive line. His most impactful performance came against Miami in 2022, where he recorded 5 tackles, 4 TFLs and 3 sacks, earning ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Explosive first step off the snap with good upfield burst from his four-point stance, consistently beating offensive tackles to their set point
- Versatile defender who has effectively played multiple techniques (0, 4, 5, 7, 9) showing ability to rush from different alignments
- Strong power-to-speed conversion when rushing the passer, effectively using a double strike move to set up counter moves
- Disciplined edge setter in the run game who maintains outside containment and forces plays back inside to help
- Shows good lateral quickness and change of direction ability when working down the line of scrimmage against zone runs
- Advanced pass rush plan featuring effective counter moves, particularly when offensive linemen overcommit to his power rush
- Productive tackler behind the line of scrimmage with 25.5 career TFLs, showing ability to penetrate and disrupt
- High motor player who maintained production despite facing frequent double teams in his senior season
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Below average height for an NFL edge defender which can limit his ability to see into the backfield and impact passing lanes
- Struggles to consistently finish plays in space, often approaching tackles with high pad level leading to missed opportunities
- Shows marginal balance when rushing at high speeds, allowing mobile quarterbacks to evade with subtle movements in the pocket
- Can lose gap integrity against pulling blockers in gap scheme runs by turning sideways to absorb contact rather than attacking
- Hand placement and timing need refinement, particularly when attempting to disengage from longer-armed offensive tackles
Scouting Report: Summary
Hayes projects as a rotational edge defender in a 4-3 scheme where his burst and power can be maximized as a designated pass rusher. His ability to play multiple techniques along the defensive front adds value, but his most natural fit comes as a 7 or 9-technique rusher where his first-step quickness can be featured.While his height limitations may prevent him from becoming an every-down player at the next level, Hayes possesses the necessary tools to contribute as a situational pass rusher early in his career. His combination of power and quickness gives him a solid foundation to build upon, particularly in obvious passing situations.
His run defense capabilities and experience playing inside make him a candidate for sub-package roles where he can reduce inside on passing downs. Development of his hand usage and ability to finish plays will be crucial for maximizing his potential at the next level.
How other scouting services rate Dayon Hayes (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
288.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
59.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.