Colts Claim Athletic Left Tackle off Waivers: Film Room

The Indianapolis Colts added to their offensive line room on Wednesday, claiming athletic left tackle Ryan Hayes off of waivers from the Miami Dolphins. Hayes, 23, was a 7th round pick in this past draft class that had a strong collegiate career with Michigan.

Ryan Hayes was a highly decorated offensive lineman in college, earning two All-Big Ten honors and being a part of back-to-back Joe Moore Award-winning offensive lines with the Wolverines. He was also invited to the Reese's Senior Bowl following his final season, where he showcased his ability on a bigger scale in front of NFL scouts.

I wrote the prospect profile for Hayes in the Indy Draft Guide this past draft season and noted some strengths in his game below:

Hayes is an athletic and nimble offensive tackle prospect in this draft class. He plays with a good base on the edge and rarely gets caught with inefficient or choppy feet. He offers good flexibility and enough foot speed to mirror and match with speed rushers off of the edge.

He has no problem reaching blocks at the second level and is quite effective on pulls out in space. He is a smart player that has a good eye for picking up stunts and twists on the interior. Hayes is an experienced player that started at left tackle on one of the better run blocking offensive lines in college football over the past two seasons.

I was a bit worried about his anchor and overall play strength in the NFL, but those are two areas that can be cleaned up with strength and development in the league. The foundation to be an adequate NFL tackle is certainly there, he just needs to time to develop in the league.

FWIW, my How He Fits blurb for Ryan Hayes in the Indy Draft Guide: pic.twitter.com/AGdjsTNNII
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) August 30, 2023

Ryan Hayes only played sparingly in the preseason with the Miami Dolphins, but he put together a fairly strong trio of games for the team. In 23 pass blocking snaps, primarily at left tackle, Hayes didn't allow a single pressure in the preseason. His 87.3 pass blocking grade from PFF was one of the highest overall marks in the preseason as well.

When watching Hayes in the preseason, it is easy to see a development path for him in the league. He is nimble and quick in his pass sets and, he possesses a high IQ at the position. He moves fairly well and wasn't terribly limited by his lack of play strength in limited action this offseason.

He still has a ways to go in terms of development, but for now, he can be a solid backup left tackle option for the Colts to give an extensive look to.

Ryan Hayes didn't see too much preseason action with the Miami Dolphins, but he was effective in limited time. He allowed zero pressures in 23 pass blocking snaps (per PFF) primarily playing left tackle.

Some clips: pic.twitter.com/mzGdZ8KeD9
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) August 30, 2023

Overall, Hayes is an athletic player that fits the Colts' mold at the position. The team desperately needed a backup left tackle after Jake Witt went down with an injury, and now they get a successful college player to develop off of waivers. I'm optimistic about the Colts' plan for Hayes this season.

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