Dolphins draft offensive lineman Ryan Hayes in 7th Round
MIAMI GARDENS — The Dolphins drafted an offensive tackle, after all.
With the 238th overall pick, 21st in the seventh round, Miami chose Ryan Hayes of Michigan.
Hayes, 6-foot-6, 298 pounds, was a two-year starter at left tackle for the Wolverines.
In high school, Hayes was also a standout basketball and baseball player.
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"He's played a lot of football," Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said. "He's a smart kid, competitive and tough. He came in as a tight end and we watched him develop over the years.”
According to a scouting report in The Draft Network, Hayes has a "nasty streak."
Some scouts project Hayes as a possible pro guard.
"I don't know a ton about what they want me to do yet, but I'll play anywhere," Hayes said. "I can play both tackles and can play inside."
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Among the players Hayes may compete with for a roster spot are Gerron Christian, Kendall Lamm and Kion Smith.
"I'm a smart player, I know where I'm going at all times," Hayes said. "I know angles. I play fast and use my athleticism. I play to the whistle."
Hayes said he has studied Dolphins tackle Terron Armstead.
In fact, Hayes was coached by one of Armstead's former coaches, Bret Ingalls, at Michigan. Ingalls coached Armstead in New Orleans.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at.jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: The Dolphins drafted offensive lineman Ryan Hayes in the 7th round of the 2023 NFL Draft
