There is plenty of debate about Robert Ayers.
Will he play defensive end or linebacker?
Is he best suited to rush the passer or defend the run?
Consider such questions strong compliments for the player who some have called the best defensive player in the NFL draft that starts Saturday (TV: ESPN, 4 p.m.).
"It's good to see that teams like you but even on draft day, you still never know because I'm sure that they show the same type of attention to every top player," the former Tennessee defensive end said following his performance on UT's pro day last month. "So you just try to stay humble because the draft is a tricky thing."
Staying humble has likely been a challenge. Ayers' reputation quickly rose during the Senior Bowl in January.
The former Vol who sometimes lacked the discipline necessary to be a college athlete routinely outplayed some of the best offensive linemen in the nation during practice and was named the defensive MVP after registering 1 1/2 sacks in the annual all-star event.
The 6-foot-3, 272-pound Ayers lived up to the early hype with a strong showing in the NFL Combine: 4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 18 bench-press repetitions of 225 pounds and a 29.5-inch vertical jump.
Ayers responded well again when NFL scouts showed up on campus determined to test his toughness with a barrage of mostly non-timed, repetitive drills.
"It's been a steady grind," Ayers said. "I try not to listen to all the media. I just try to stay focused. You're never as good as they say you are and you're never as bad as they say you are."
Good or bad really doesn't matter. Potential does - and NFL scouts see plenty.
Ayers is one of the most versatile defensive players in the draft, having the ability to play linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or play defensive end in a 4-3 defense.
Whichever style of defense Ayers plays in, he's been trained to do one thing since his playing days at UT came to an end.
"At the end of the day we wanted to help him develop into an absolute pass rusher," said former UT defensive end Chuck Smith, who played nine years in the NFL and now trains potential draftees. "Absolute pass rushers get drafted high."
Ayers has developed himself into that type of NFL prospect despite only three sacks last season and nine in his UT career.
Ayers has been projected as a mid-first round pick, possibly as high as No. 11 to the Buffalo Bills.
Hard work has been the key.
"He was with me for Christmas Day," Smith said. "He's been training like an animal."
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Comments » 12
BSweet writes:
Good luck Robert! Go Vols!!
Rick4UT writes:
I need to get out more...what does puff puff give mean. Dang I am getting over the hill.
GO VOLS!!!!!!
gwbask writes:
I agree 100%
VolinUtah writes:
"You got knocked the #@%$ out"
Smokey
EricBerry4Heisman writes:
When you get picked up in the first round. Say "Thank You coach Fulmer, Coach Chavis and one final thing "Eric Berry for Heisman".
UTandETSUfan writes:
I'm sure ESPN will probably have a camera where he is during the draft (home, parents home, UT capmus, ect.), maybe he should wear an "Eric Berry for Heisman" t-shirt?
Caveman writes:
Caveman say 'er'
Holding breath Fire can't say anything
wyomingvol writes:
The only things I ask myself:
1. As a Vols Fan; Why did he not have more impact on the field prior to his final season as a Vol?
2. As a pro scout; See above.
I truely never saw him as a Reggie White, Leonard Little (on the field), or even a Chuck Smith or Chris Mimms (maybe Mimms).
Perhaps due to a contain vs let loose style.
No idea, just surprising to me.
There are a few angles that 'Make me say hmmm'.
Not disparaging, and good luck Robert.
Voluvr writes:
On behalf of the Downtown Athletic Club we regret to inform you we only elect defensive backs to the Heisman when we are trying to prevent another deserving player from a less desirable region to win.
Don't get your hopes up. Here's why: We set this thing up with 6 voting districts. 1 out west, 1 mid west, 1 down south, and "3" above the the mason dixon and east of the Mississippi! We call it the big Yankee fix! So get a life you southern hayseed and tell Jr. Samples we said how dee.
ctownvol writes:
How do you get fired on your day off Craig?
volsn1 writes:
It is a good that Ayers was a senior. Kiffin would have kicked hime off the team. Go Vols
Huttdawg100 writes:
Does anybody remember when UT had one NFL prospect after another? We had so much A+ talent.
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