Marquis Hayes NFL Draft Overview
Position: Offensive Guard
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 318 Lbs.
School: University of Oklahoma
Pro Day Performance Data
40-yard dash: 5.30
Vertical jump: 23.5”
Broad jump: 8’6”
225 Lb. Bench Reps: Did Not Test
Marquis Hayes 2022 NFL Draft Profile
Bringing some exciting toughness to the 2022 NFL Draft, Marquis Hayes gives teams a lot to like in his toolbox. On tape, it’s clear that Hayes loves to use his power as his primary weapon. Clearly, Hayes has advanced knowledge of how his power can create leverage against defenders. Thus, Hayes wins more often than he doesn’t against his defenders. Further, he loves when he has a chance to finish the incoming defender. Hayes loves to complete a pancake block and take a pass rusher into the turf when given the opportunity. However, in order to reach his ceiling or become a starter in the pros, Hayes needs a little development of his fundamentals. Unfortunately, Hayes gets caught with his pads too high a little too frequently. Further, he doesn’t always set a good bae, which can lead to him getting cooked by athletic pass rushers.
Good morning! Lets football. For your coffee and consideration, Oklahoma’s Marquis Hayes (LG, #54).
He’s a heavy-bodied, powerful blocker with pro style offensive experience. #2022NFLDraft
Here, Hayes does a good job mirroring & latching to his defender in a quick passing set. pic.twitter.com/6MfQBSp5h0
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) March 27, 2022
Still, he wins more often than not and will certainly benefit from his experience in Lincoln Riley’s offense. Riley’s running scheme and passing game emphasis are incredibly popular in the pros and give players a taste of the next level. During his pro day, Hayes said, “Riley’s scheme is crazy. He does everything. It’s kind of 50-50 pass and run. But his scheme is so dynamic. Like, the reverses are sometimes man schemes to gap schemes. Gap schemes are bread and butter for sure, but he can switch it up from the man, from the zone schemes. So, it’s kind of intellectual to show all the different things.”
Additionally, teams will certainly also like the fit of Marquis Hayes as a person. At Oklahoma, Hayes was an Academic All-Big 12 recipient in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Strengths
- Power is certainly a plus in his skillset
- Enjoys the mauler role that comes with playing guard
- Knows how to use leverage to his advantage
- Hard to move off of when he’s latches
- Latches quite well and gets his hands in smart positioning
- Takes pride in finishing his blocks
- Played in a pro-style offense at Oklahoma
- Great vision and high IQ for the game of football
- Handles stunts with ease
Weaknesses
- Feet look heavy when pulling to the outside
- Fundamentals will require refinement
- Doesn’t do a great job combatting athletic pass rushers
- Pad level gets way too high
- Hands can get a little sloppy, leading to penalties
NFL Comparison: Trai Turner
Teams With Need at Position: Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders
Projection: Third Round
Bottom Line on Marquis Hayes
While he requires some development, there’s a lot to like in Marquis Hayes. Further, professional-level coaching might be a tremendous refinement opportunity. When watching the tape, it’s clear that Hayes is comfortable in a pro-style offense and might contribute right away. Sure, Hayes is going to suffer from growing pains in the NFL, but there’s enough for teams to remain patient during his development. When draft day rolls around, Hayes shouldn’t have a shortage of suitors. Plus, in a league that needs starting line talent, Hayes could be someone’s fit for 2022. Truly, the fact that he could be a mid-round pick that becomes an instant starter should jump off the page for NFL teams.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
