Saturday, July 21, 2012

Rookie free agent profile: Michael Hay, OL, Syracuse


(cut by Rams July 24th)

Michael Hay  6'5" 308
OL, Syracuse

Rankings:
NFLDraftScout: 148th-ranked guard, free-agent grade.

Pro Football Weekly: not listed.


Biography/honors:
2011: Started all 12 games at right tackle. Blocked for 1,000-yard rusher (Antwon Bailey).
2010: Junior college transfer. Started 12 games at right tackle, DNP once. Syracuse was 2nd in the Big East in red zone efficiency (85%) and had a 1,000-yard rusher (Delone Carter).
2007: Enrolled at C.W. Post but redshirted while recuperating from a stab wound. Played the next two years at Nassau Community College, where he made second team all-conference in 2009.
Arrested for assault prior to starting college for his role in a fight in which he was nearly stabbed to death. A blow from a knife punctured his stomach, diaphragm and lung and missed his heart by only a millimeter.

Major: economics.

Injuries:
2010: missed one game after getting his ankle rolled up on, partially tearing three ligaments. He finished the game in which he was injured, though.

Pro day stats: (NFL Combine averages for offensive linemen in parentheses)
5.38 40 (5.35)
1.84 10-yard split (1.79)
24” vertical jump (would have been in bottom 5 at Combine. OL average: 28”.)
7'8" broad jump (also would have been in bottom 5 at Combine. OL average: 8'4.5")
7.78 3-cone drill (7.81)
5.09 20-yard shuttle (only one lineman at the Combine had a worse time. OL average: 4.79.)
23 bench press (25)


Positives: Classic high-motor, play-to-the-whistle mauler. Tough and plays with emotion. Effective run blocker. Looks strong and appears to get off the ball well. Didn't give up a sack in 49-23 win over West Virginia and frustrated Bruce Irvin into a personal foul.

Negatives: Athletically limited. Poor pass protector who struggled with speed rushers. Commits too many personal fouls and has some reputation for cheap shots.

Compares to: Harvey Dahl. Why not? Same size, same hard-nosed style, same humble rookie free agent beginnings.

Fun Facts: The Rams' 2012 rookie class has one player who has been stabbed and two who have been tasered. Ouch.

RamView: There's little question that Michael Hay is a Jeff Fisher/Paul Boudreau type of player. There's also little question after last season that the Ram offensive line needs all the toughness and all the maulers it can get. Hay would seem best suited to be part of the training camp cattle call at left guard, but has worked out at tackle in camp. That'll improve his odds of making the roster. I'd like to see him get through preseason without committing any penalties, which would also really improve his odds. He's a perfect fit stylistically. Athletically is where the questions will come.

Chance of making roster: 30%.

Sources: NFLDraftScout, Syracuse Post-Standard, Syracuse University athletics, SBNation, USA Today

Photo: New York Post

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