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.”
