With their final pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins selected Michigan offensive tackle Ryan Hayes.
Hayes joins a Dolphins offensive line unit that really should have two positions open for competition – left guard and right tackle. However, general manager Chris Grier has stated that he expects Austin Jackson to be protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side.
Before Hayes steps on the field at Hard Rock Stadium, here are a few things that Dolphins fans should know about their new offensive tackle:
Collegiate recognitions
During his two years as the starting left tackle for the Wolverines, Hayes was twice named to the All-Big Ten second team. Michigan’s offensive line also won the Joe Moore Award for best offensive line unit in college football the last two seasons.
Michigan also posted a 25-3 record since the start of the 2021 campaign, making it to the College Football Playoff in both 2021 and 2022.
Possible move
When offensive tackles transition to the NFL game from the collegiate level, scouts and coaches typically prefer those with longer arms (at least 34 inches).
Hayes, unfortunately, doesn’t have that arm length, as his arms are 32.5 inches.
That could be an indicator that he could move inside and play guard at the next level, a move that Hayes has said he’s willing to accept.
“I don’t know a ton about what they want me to do yet, but I’m definitely – I’ll play anywhere,” Hayes said. “I can play tackle. Played tackle – both tackles a little bit in college – mostly left, but I’d be open to moving inside, wherever gets me on the field and helps the team win. So I’m open.”
Sports in the DNA
Hayes’ parents, Mike and Sue, were both athletes at Central Michigan. His mother was a Hall of Fame basketball player for the university, while his father played football.
With that type of lineage, he was destined to play some type of sport.
During his high school days, Hayes didn’t stick to just football, as he competed in basketball and baseball for Traverse City West High School in Michigan.
Senior Bowl practices led to mixed results
After the completion of his final game with the Wolverines, Hayes attended the Reese’s Senior Bowl and practiced at both left and right tackle throughout the week.
Clips surfaced of his practice reps, and some were great while others were forgettable.
Michigan’s Ryan Hayes looking more comfortable at LT at the Senior Bowl 💪 pic.twitter.com/ndRs3onZ3p
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) February 1, 2023
OT Ryan Hayes of @UMichFootball plants Notre Dame edge rusher Isaiah Foskey in this drill. #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/bKiyhXSNza
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) February 1, 2023
Kansas edge rusher Lonnie Phelps Jr. at the Senior Bowl (🧵 1/4)
He's on the far side of the field in this clip. Phelps uses his powerful hands to shove Michigan tackle Ryan Hayes out of the way and clear an open inside rush lane. #NFLDraft #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/43NzPqzL0z
— Sam Teets (@Sam_Teets33) February 6, 2023
WHEWWWW! #NotreDame DL Isaiah Foskey vs #Michigan OL Ryan Hayes 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/xQZmagswW0
— FTB VIDS (@anotherFTBacct) January 31, 2023
