2009 NFL Draft - Robert Ayers Scouting Report
by Clint Clearwater
NFL Draft Analyst


Prospect:  Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Ht: 6'2 Wt: 272 40: 4.80

Strengths: Very powerful.  He can fight through double teams quite well.  Uses his hands well, which helps his ability to pressure the quarterback.  Ayers excels against the run.  He keeps his outside shoulder free, which shows his good technique for a defensive end.  He has great awareness and can recognize plays very well.  He can sniff out screens extremely well. 

Weaknesses: He can often rush the passer too hard and can be easily juked.  He can over-pursue at times, however it does not happen often.  He needs to continue to build strength; he only benched 225 lbs. 18 times. 

Summary: Robert Ayers is a defensive end that easily flew under the radar this year thanks to Tennessee’s poor play.  He is a very well rounded end.  I really love his size and how physical he plays.  He can simply be violent at times on the football field.  He played in one of the best conferences in America.  Although he had 3 sacks this year, he finished the year with 15.5 tackles for loss and was named to the All-SEC first team.  I see a ton of potential in Ayers and I see him going off the boards by pick 15. 

Draft Projection: Top 15


Last updated - 3/28/09


• Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 7 Rounds
• Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 4 Rounds
• Mock Draft Database