Baltimore Ravens Draft Notre Dame DE Daelin Hayes

Former Notre Dame defensive end Daelin Hayes was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft

Bryan Driskell | May 1, 2021

Former Notre Dame defensive end Daelin Hayes was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft

Hayes came to Notre Dame as a five-star recruit, and he made an immediate impact for the Irish in 2016. Over the next two seasons he was part of a lethal end rotation with Julian Okwara, a third-round pick of the Detroit Lions a season ago.

Hayes was off to a great start in 2019 before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury in the fourth game. That allowed him to return for a final season in 2020, and Hayes saw his game takeoff. He’s not a stat stuffer, finishing the 2020 season with 17 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and two forced fumbles to go with a pick.

What made Hayes so impactful for Notre Dame was his strong all-around game. He is a stout edge defender, he thrives in underneath coverage - despite being over 260 pounds last season - and Hayes showed clutch pass rushing ability. Hayes wasn’t used as much as a pass rusher as Okwara because of his coverage ability, but we saw against Clemson and Georgia Tech that when he turns it loose he can get after the quarterback.

Hayes ran a 4.69 at Notre Dame’s Pro Day despite checking in at 253 pounds. He also posted an impressive 4.25 in the pro shuttle.

The former Notre Dame standout could thrive as a standup outside linebacker and he projects well as a 4-3 weakside end at the next level.

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Published May 1, 2021

BRYAN DRISKELL

Bryan Driskell is the publisher of Irish Breakdown and has been covering Notre Dame football for over a decade. A former college football player and coach, Bryan and Irish Breakdown bring a level of expertise and analysis that is unmatched. From providing in depth looks at the Fighting Irish, breaking news stories and honest recruiting analysis, Irish Breakdown has everything Notre Dame football fans want and need. Bryan was previous a football analyst for Blue & Gold Illustrated before launching Irish Breakdown. He coached college football at Duquesne University, Muhlenberg College, Christopher Newport University, Wittenberg University and Defiance College. During his coaching career he was a pass game coordinator, recruiting coordinator, quarterbacks coach, running backs coach and wide receivers coach. Bryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Salisbury University, where he played quarterback for the Sea Gulls. You can email Bryan at bryan@irishbreakdown.com. Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more. BECOME A MEMBER Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time! Follow Bryan on Twitter: @CoachD178Like and follow Irish Breakdown on FacebookSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channelSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter