Marquis best asset is his strength and dispositon as a run blocker. He gives a strong initial punch. He plays with good leverage bends at the knees and sees what he is hitting, showing the ability to roll his hips into the defender and drive him off the line of scrimmage. He is a big athlete with good bullk and filled out frame. He stays balanced and doesn't overextend in pass protection. He stays disciplined with good bend and leverage. He has the feet to adjust when he anticipates what is coming. He is effective trapping and bends at the knees with adequate core strength to absorb the bull rush. He can clear a path at the second level if he hits the target. He has above average awareness from the limited experience. He sells trap block and can turn to seasl. He is fluid getting to and adjust at the second level. He has solid positional run blocker who flashes the nasty demeanor and killer instinct scouts covet.
Areas for Improvement
Hayes isn't an elite quick-twitch blocker and his height causes him to be out-quicked. Leaks inside pressure when his technique gets sloppy. He lacks lateral agility, flexibility and footwork to start on the outside in the NFL. He is heavy footed and lacks elite lateral ability- will struggle with speed rushers and footwork is a work in progress. Bends too much at the waist and overextends himself- often caught lunging and leaning. He needs to prove his worth in a straight-ahead running game. Has inconsistent quickness and lacks the natural burst to maintain balance and block in space. Extends his arms, but has soft hands and doesn't jolt rushers.
Marquis Hayes’s Career at Oklahoma
Ranked as a four-star recruit by Rivals and ESPN and a three-star prospect by 247Sports and Scout. Redshirted as a freshman. As a redshirt freshman, played versus Kansas (11/17), Kansas State (10/27) and Florida Atlantic (9/1) in a reserve role at guard. Following year, started at left guard in all 13 games in which he played, only missed South Dakota game (9/14) due to injury. As a redshirt Junior, an Academic All-Big 12 First Team honoree. He started all 11 of team’s games at left guard, he allowed two sacks on 416 pass-blocking plays according to PFF. He recorded second-best run-blocking grade of career (79.8) and allowed zero sacks, hurries, hits or pressures in passing game vs. No. 10 Florida in Cotton Bowl victory.
Marquis Hayes's NFL Draft Player Profile
Hayes generates good power when he initiates contact well and squares up to his opponent. He has the length to disrupt pass-rushing lanes on occasion when defenders blow past him. Solid run blocker in a phone booth when he can one step forward and set the edge for his gap.
