Oakland Raiders Draft News
With double digit sacks this season against top-notch competition, Haynes has been favorably compared with Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor. Haynes is similarly built with a thin, strong, explosive body, and has shown the ability to play both the pass and run effectively.
Michael Haynes 6-3 255 lbs (partial Raiderfans Draft Guide profile)
Strenghts: Explosive first step. Consistently beats opponents with speed rush. Has developed strong counter moves. Uses his long arms well to get around blockers and to keep them off his body. Went up against great competition (Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska, and Iowa) and produced on a week-to-week basis. Deceptively strong as he can anchor well against the run. Was the most impressive player during the Senior Bowl practice week and the game itself, registering two sacks and a few tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Weaknesses: Doesn't have the body frame to add much more weight. Exploded onto the scene this year without much previous success. Plays with a high base at times and looks around, failing to quickly diagnose the play.
Haynes won't be the first defensive end drafted, but he will be the best all-around defensive end available. He is very quick off the snaps and has the speed and strength to get around offensive tackles. Haynes would fit the Raiders need of a pass-rushing end and could contribute 7-8 sacks in his rookie year with the talent that the Raiders defense would surround him with. With his awesome Senior Bowl performance, the Raiders would have to trade up into the top-15 to have a chance at his services.
Next prospect highlight: Georgia outside linebacker Boss Bailey.
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