| Strengths: |
Physically gifted defensive lineman. Ayers has long arms and uses his hands well to fight off the block. Strong at the point of attack and uses his big frame well. Athletic enough to respond to change of direction plays and hold the line of scrimmage. Good initial burst off the line and has a solid rip technique on the pass rush. Has some versatility as he was lined up at linebacker at times for Tennessee. Strong Senior Bowl performance really boosted his stock. |
| Weaknesses: |
Didn't start until his senior season and may be a bit of a one year wonder. Is almost a tweener in his size, being slightly heavy for a 3-4 OLB and a little small for a 4-3 DE. May not have a true position. Had some off field problems as a freshman. |
| Quick Hits: |
Ayers is an interesting prospect and is hard to get a true feel for. Didn't start until his senior season, but was named first team All-SEC after that season was complete. Wasn't a sack master with the Vols but was pretty well rounded. Chances of being a one year wonder are high, but is athletic enough to be worth taking an early pick on for a team that might already be a contender, or where Ayers can be a rotational player at first. Was arrested for assault as a freshman, but had no off field problems since. Ayers was considered a late 2nd round pick at most, but a strong performance at the Senior Bowl drastically improved his stock and analyst Mike Mayock has him ranked in his top 20 overall.
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