The Miami Dolphins finally attacked one of their biggest roster needs on the final day of the draft with their last pick, as general manager Chris Grier selected Michigan offensive tackle Ryan Hayes 238th overall.
Hayes joins an offensive tackle group that has some talent, but definitely has some questions as well. Left tackle Terron Armstead missed games and dealt with injuries last year while right tackle Austin Jackson played in just two games and has yet to prove himself as a starter at the position.
With that said, Hayes could be involved in the competition at right tackle or left guard, but at the very least he could provide depth, whether that be on the roster or practice squad.
After his selection, Hayes took some time to meet virtually with the South Florida media, and he answered some questions about his collegiate career and future with the Dolphins.
Here’s everything the former Wolverine said:
On his versatility and role:
“I don’t know a ton about what they want me to do yet, but I’m definitely – I’ll play anywhere. 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.”
On his history at different positions:
“In high school, I was actually – I came into college as a tight end, so I actually hadn’t played any o-line until I got to Michigan. And then for my first year I played on the right side and then the last four years I was mainly left tackle.”
On his playstyle:
“I think I’m a smart player. I know where I’m going at all times. That allows me to know my angles, so I think I play fast. It allows me to play extremely fast and use my athleticism to an advantage. And every play I’m out there, I’m going to finish as hard as I can to the whistle. So you’re going to get a hard-working guy that flies around the field.”
On NFL linemen that he studied:
“Yeah, I kind of like to watch the top guys around the league at other positions. Guys like Trent Williams, guys like that. But I definitely have watched a ton of Terron Armstead. We had an old coach that used to coach, so we watched a lot of his old film so it’s really going to be awesome getting in that room with him and learning what he has for me.”
On how playing multiple sports helped him:
“I was always competing year-round. I think that’s what I love to do. I just loved sports growing up so that kept me busy, kept me doing all kinds of things. I think it got me prepared for the next level, switching to o-line – I had never done that before, but did so many things already that I think I was prepared for it. So I’m super excited for this next challenge.”
On his weight and keeping weight on:
“No, actually right before I got to the Combine, I got a little food poisoning like I’ve never had before. So I lost a little bit of weight. It was kind of hard to get back on right before. But at my pro day, I weighed in at 305 and right now I’ve been between 305 and 310. So that’s not an issue. It was just kind of a weird thing. Bad timing.”
On Michigan's impact in the draft process:
“The draft process has been up and down. I mean, obviously I was trying to take everything in because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But from Michigan, I think it prepared me really well for this process. We run a lot of the same schemes I think that we were being taught and asked to talk about through the process. Obviously we get great coaching there, so I don’t think I could have picked a better place to be at to get ready for this next step.”
On wide zones in college:
“We didn’t run a ton. I wish we ran a little more wide zone, but we had success with inside zone and gab scheme. But I definitely think my game will translate to wide zone. I’m really looking forward to running a lot more of that down in Miami.”
On what he's looking forward to in Miami:
“Definitely just nice weather all the time. That’ll be great for me. I was hoping to get down there somewhere warm and it’s definitely a great place to be.”
On Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh:
“I think Coach Harbaugh has just taught us, he runs his program like he would a professional organization. I think that just I think that’s why so many Michigan players have success at the next level because we’re already kind of primed for what to expect. Not totally, but I think he just does a really good job of having it be business-like and result-oriented.”
On his reaction to being drafted by Miami:
“I was super excited. Big weight off my shoulders. I didn’t know exactly if that’s what they were calling for or not, so I was just super happy when they told me they were taking my name off the board. I couldn’t really explain the feeling.”
On potential UDFA calls:
“I was hearing some rumblings from my agent but didn’t really know what was going on yet. But I knew it was getting towards the end.”
