Alfie's Player Ranking 28 out of 100
Projected Round: 1-2
Today continues my countdown to the Top 100 draftable players of the 2011 NFL Draft. We move on to my 28th ranked player, UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 249lbs
PROS: Has the ideal size to fit right into an NFL 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker. Is comfortable playing in space. Has played defensive end and every linebacker position, can blitz and rush the passer from anywhere. Doesn’t often miss tackles and sheds his blocks well. Six career interceptions and is comfortable in zone coverage.
CONS: Timed speed is a question mark for Ayers. Doesn’t diagnose running plays quickly. Pass rushing moves and technique leave a lot to be desired, but he can get to the quarterback from the linebacker position. Will need to work on playing man coverage and covering backs out in the flat. Isn’t very explosive and often plays too "in-control" and isn’t aggressive enough at times. Production from sophomore to junior season declined.
| Defense | |||||||||||
| Season | Team | TOT | SOL | AST | TFL | SK | FF | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totals | 183 | 128 | 55 | 29½ | 14 | 5 | |||||
| 2008 | UCLA | 40 | 28 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 1 | ||||
| 2009 | UCLA | 75 | 55 | 20 | 14½ | 6 | 2 | ||||
| 2010 | UCLA | 68 | 45 | 23 | 10 | 4 | 2 | ||||