Ryan

Hayes

Latham and Hooker are reportedly recovering from spring injuries. We suspect these are active/PUP designations because team reporter Jim Wyatt writes, “players placed on the PUP list during training camp can come off of it at any time,” indirectly indicating that these are not season-ending placements. The Titans also signed OT Zach Thomas and waived OT Ryan Hayes.

Hayes (6’6.375/298) was a 4-star recruit and the 23rd-ranked offensive tackle from Traverse City, Michigan in the 2018 recruiting class, according to 247 Sports. Hayes came out of high school as a tight end but was recruited as a lineman to Ann Arbor. While he held down the left tackle spot, Michigan was awarded the Joe Moore Award both years. Hayes was probably on a steady diet of Zingerman’s during his five years there as he put on almost fifty pounds in his career as well. The two-time Second Team All-B1G member doesn’t have any outstanding physical traits other than suitable height. He has little wasted movement and displays steady blocks in both pass pro and run blocking. Though his arms are shorter than expected, he does a good job maintaining space when he needs it and efficiently maintains engagements as a play calls for it. With greater strength, he will be a mainstay backup lineman for a long time in the NFL.

Hayes is a multi-sport athlete who signed his letter of intent in December. Head coach Jim Harbaugh reportedly “loves” athletes who plays multiple sports and viewed it as a positive for Hayes. Both of his parents were collegiate athletes at Central Michigan University, but he couldn’t turn down the change to attend Michigan. Hayes will likely develop into their starting tight end over the next couple of seasons.