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Player Profile - 4.5.09

Pros: Ayers shows good athletic ability and quickness when rushing the passer. He can get to the edge and he has the agility to cut back inside if needed. Not only does he have the speed to get around blockers, he can overpower them with bull rushes and a strong initial punch. He has tremendous upside and has not yet reached his true potential as a pass rusher. Ayers can also be a disruptive penetrator against the run, making a stop before the ball carrier even reaches the line of scrimmage. He offers some versatility and could possibly play standing up in a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker.

Cons: Despite being considered a top pass rusher, Ayers had just seven sacks in his final two seasons at Tennessee. In fact, he can fall under the “one-year wonder” category, which will make many ask what happened during his time in Knoxville prior to 2008. He lacks the pure speed needed to dominate as a pass rusher and struggles against double teams. The former Vol can at times be invisible on film—inconsistency is a cause for concern. Ayers has the tendency to play high and misses a lot of tackles.

Scouts Take: Ayers has been one of the top risers since the end of the season. During Senior Bowl week, Ayers dominated most the offensive linemen he faced. He looked explosive and powerful as a rusher. While he only tallied seven sacks over the last two seasons, the former Volunteer did wrack up 27.5 tackles for loss. He battled some off the field issues early in his college career, but had no issues the last three years and was voted a team captain his final year. If he works on his leverage and technique he will be a force at the NFL level. It could take some time for Ayers to fully develop but he is a prospect with a lot of upside. Ayers also benefits from the fact so many of the top defensive ends in this class project as 3-4 linebackers, which should help him land in the mid-first round. Ayers could be the top 4-3 end in this draft class.

School Bio

3.30.09 - Tennessee DE Robert Ayers went through some outside linebacker drills at the Volunteers' Pro Day. Ayers is almost certainly going to be a 4-3 base end in the pros, but showing versatility can't hurt. He also posted a 4.46 short shuttle and 7.07 in the three cone.

Throw out his first three seasons at Tennessee--Ayers didn't find his groove until his senior season, and boy did he find it. He had a tremendous season and an equally impressive post-season, rocking the Senior Bowl, impressing all who saw him. His speed and burst are what have teams excited about him and his versatility only adds to his draftability. True, he only had one season of real production in the SEC, but the kid is still developing as a player and once polished, could be a monster that devours quarterbacks. This guy is a first-rounder.

What stands out to me are his exceptional hand skills and lateral agility. In addition, Ayers has also impressed in his interviews, which bodes very well for the former Volunteer. - All Access Daily Dose: Ayers Works Out As OLB

1.27.09 – Ayers motor and excellent push did not surprise us, but his speed around the edge did. He did not look like one of the better speed rushers in Mobile until the lights were on. Ayers devastated Nathan Brown and shared the sack that resulted in a TD with Corvey Irvin. Ayers was named outstanding defensive player of the game for his efforts. - Draft Guys On Location at the Senior Bowl

1.23.09 - Robert Ayers did it all this week, showing he is stout at the point of the attack and that he possesses the athleticism to get into the backfield off the edge. He put an impressive spin move on Jonathan Luigs, blowing by him almost untouched. Not many players helped their cause in Mobile as much as this Volunteer. - The NFL Draft Bible On Location At The Senior Bowl

1.19.09 – Robert Ayers had some spirited battles with Michael Oher (OT-Ole Miss), fighting to some stalemates, although Oher did pancake Ayers in 11 on 11s. Their matchups should be fun to watch as the week goes on. - Draft Guys On Location at the Senior Bowl