http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...play-football/ UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers‘ stock is perceived to be slipping due to disappointing pre-draft workouts. He ran in the 4.80-4.83 range during February’s Combine, and topped out at 4.69 during the Bruins’ Pro Day in March. Ayers insists that forty times aren’t indicative of his on-field skills. He’s a linebacker, not Usain Bolt. “That really doesn’t mean anything,” Ayers told the New York Daily News. “I’m not a sprinter. I don’t run track. I’m a football player. … When I’m on the field, I’m not running 4.8. I’m catching people down and running with running backs and rushing the QB. “That’s pretty clear and obvious when you watch the film.” Ayers is probably onto something. He was a dominant player in the Pac 10, despite arguably playing out of position at strong-side linebacker in the Bruins’ 4-3. (He’s projected as a 3-4, outside rush linebacker in the pros.) Ayers racked up 29.5 career tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and six interceptions, running two of them back for touchdowns. Ayers has demonstrated playmaking ability as both a pass rusher and coverage linebacker. Manish Mehta of the Daily News was told by “several scouts” that Ayers is a first-round prospect, and that his stopwatch speed is irrelevant. “The tape doesn’t lie,” one AFC scout told Mehta. “… He’s going to make some team very happy this week. He’s a steal late in the first round.” According to Mehta, Ayers is on the New York Jets’ “short list” with the No. 30 pick. “I’d love to play for Rex (Ryan),” said Ayers. “They have one of the best defenses in the NFL. That’s something I’d definitely look forward to. … It’d be an honor to play for the Jets.”
If he's available it would be difficult to pass him up. Let's remember he was a Top 15 player a few months ago.
Great article. I love this kid, and I'd absolutely love to hear his name called tomorrow night for us.
I remember talking about hoping for Ayers to be a Jet but thinking it was impossible with his skillset and being the next best OLB next to Von Miller. Now that its actually a possibility, its so much more exciting.
Just imagine getting Ayers instead of Phil Taylor - that would be a steal! Unfortunately, I'm still not convinced that his stock has dropped all the way to 30 - but we can always hope and pray! :up:
Ok when I first saw this picture I thought Mangina was holding a beer funnel for elmo or whatever muppet, while the rest of the Jets were cheering him on. Then I looked closer and saw it was just a helmet. Another Mangina failure.
I see him more as a ILB then a Pass rusher, But he could turn out differently in the pros. If he's there at 30 along with Phil Taylor, It's going to be a tough decision.
Peterson said the same thing. He said, "Super Bowl" but he wont' be there at 30. Ayers at 30 seems to be the pick that would get the fans going nuts at radio city.
Seems to be the consenus picK. I remember Green Hurricane, Mr E and Myself speaking about Ayers over 6+ months ago. I believe I had Ayers in my 1st Jet's Mock draft of 2011.
Just looked back at that draft,damn that would of been a hell of a draft week Ayers, Jordan AND Carpenter! Hhahahaa just messing with ya but hell of a good call.
I have fallen in line here, having Ayers fall to us at 30 seems to be what the Jets want to happen. As far as I am concerned if it's Ayers or Phil Taylor at 30 we better damn well pick Ayers.
I'm a huge Ayer's fan, but we need to temper our enthusiasm. I'm afraid many Jet fans will have unrealistic expectations. Ayers will probably never have double-digit sacks. I don't expect Ayers to ever be a Pro-bowl player, just a solid reliable player in Rex's scheme. Should be solid in coverage and making tackles for a loss. If Ayers averages 8 sacks a year, I will be thrilled.
