Gang Green Nation
Taking a look at a Jets offensive lineman
The New York Jets recently signed former Cardinals offensive lineman Marquis Hayes. Today we break Hayes down in detail.
The 26-year old Hayes is listed at 6’5” and 318 pounds and was a seventh round pick out of Oklahoma in 2022. He has yet to make his NFL debut. He was voted to the all-Big 12 second team in 2021.
Background
Hayes was a three-star high school recruit who arrived at Oklahoma in 2017 but redshirted his first season and only played 32 offensive snaps in a reserve role in 2018.
Over the next three seasons, he started 37 games and developed well as he was an all-Big 12 honorable mention in 2020 and an all-Big 12 second-teamer in 2021.
In the 2022 draft, Hayes was selected in the seventh round by the Arizona Cardinals. He missed his entire rookie season on injured reserve. He was released in final cuts in 2023 and spent the season on the practice squad before signing a futures deal for 2024 and once again ending up on the practice squad after final cuts.
Having been released from the Cardinals’ practice squad early in the 2024 season, Hayes spent seven weeks on the Washington Commanders’ practice squad before ending the season on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad and signing a futures deal at the end of the season.
The Jets worked out and signed Hayes last month after he was released by the Packers in May.
Let’s move on to some more in-depth analysis of what Hayes brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Hayes has outstanding size and length but lacks the athleticism to play outside. He was reportedly 350 pounds as a freshman and obviously got himself in better shape to become a starter two years later.
At the combine, Hayes’ 5.30 in the 40-yard dash and 102-inch broad jump were adequate for his size and his short shuttle at his pro day was only slightly below average. His vertical was poor though.
He did not do the bench press at the combine or his pro day, but his strength is evident from his game film.
Usage
Hayes played virtually his entire college career at left guard, other than two snaps on the right. He had been a tackle in high school. At the NFL level, he’s played both left and right guard in preseason action.
Pass Blocking
Over the course of his career, including in preseason action, Hayes’ pass protection numbers have been solid, although he had five sacks surrendered in his college career and two in seven preseason games.
He drops into his stance with a decent first step and then tends to rely on his length and strength to stay on his man. Changes of direction and general quickness are what tend to give him issues.
Run Blocking
Hayes brings power and is generally characterized as a classic mauler. He plays with a...
