Daelin Hayes, now a second-year outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, impressed the team with his development in his first year.
At the beginning of the year, it was hoped that Hayes would be able to break into the pass-rush rotation and become a consistent contributor to the defense by the end of the year.
Hayes’ rookie season was marred by injuries, so he was unable to fulfill his potential.
According to reports, Hayes was one of the highlights of the minicamp as the former Notre Dame star worked hard to make a positive first impression.
Hayes “was one of the most obvious and productive players on the field during the offseason practices,” as noted by The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec.
Trench play is notoriously difficult to evaluate in the context of spring practices. The drills are basically a glitzed-up version of flag football and involve very little physical contact.
The fact that Hayes is making such an impression on the coaching staff, despite this, is really positive.
What happened to Daelin Hayes?
In the Ravens’ Week 3 victory over the Detroit Lions, Hayes sustained a serious ankle injury. Hayes was placed on injured reserve after participating in only four defensive plays.