Hayes Pullard
USC, MLB
Height: 6.0
Weight: 240
40yd: 4.78
Age: 23
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Positives:
Sports a lean, athletic frame despite possessing measurables indicating a squattier frame. A plus athlete who possesses above average range and very good movement ability. Shows fluid hips and good lateral movement on the field. Athletic enough to cover tight ends and running backs in man coverage. Was asked to play deep middle zones and to line up over the slot at USC.
A very consistent wrap and drag tackler who rarely fails to bring ballcarriers to the ground. Has impressive closing ability and flashes some knock-back power as a tackler. Seeks out the big hit when coming in to make an assist, but otherwise is most concerned with making the tackle rather than the big hit. Has flashed the ability to use his hands to play off blocks laterally.
Possesses very good intangibles and a nice track record of success. A four-year starter at linebacker for the Trojans, playing both on the inside and as a Will. Track record shows a clean bill of health, not having missed any starts due to injury during his collegiate career. Reportedly a high character individual with leadership traits. Was a two-time captain at USC.
Negatives:
Lacks run stuffing traits and relies upon his defensive linemen to keep clear off blockers. Underpowered and lacks take-on strength in the box. Is vulnerable to cut blocks and can have some difficulty maneuvering through trash. Has a tentative attitude on the field and is not a classic downhill, attacking linebacker.
Will take some inconsistent angles to the ball and in pursuit, being aggressive at times but also a more circuitous route than is desirable. Will take false steps at the snap and his ability to key and diagnose can be questionable. Was routinely fooled by play action and the read-option against Boston College in 2014 (though in his defense, so was the entire USC defensive corps).
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: While Hayes Pullard is not the traditional in-the-box thumper of yore, his skill set is more suited for today’s NFL. Pullard shows strong coverage ability and experience coming out of USC and would be a good fit as a run-and-hit middle linebacker in a Cover 2 defense. Pullard figures to be a day two selection and is starter material, if not unspectacular.
Comparison: Bobby Wagner
Grade: 8.6 (2nd Round)
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