2021 NFL Draft Prospect Summary: Josh Hayes, DB, North Dakota State
Josh Hayes
- School: North Dakota State
- Position: CB
- HT: 5ft11
- WT: 185
- Hometown: Lakeland, FL
- High School: Lake Gibson HS
- Recruit Ranking
- Rivals: Not Ranked
- 247: Not Ranked
- ESPN: Not Ranked
2017 Season
- Competed in all 15 games as a true freshman
- First career start came in the national championship game
- Tied a season-high with 3 tackles and 1 forced fumble in the FCS title win over James Madison
- Recorded 15 tackles and three pass breakups on the season
2018 Season
- Competed in all 15 games including 2 starts
- Totaled 28 tackles and had 3 pass breakups
- Tied for second on the team with 9 special teams tackles, all on kickoff coverage.
2019 Season
- Second-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference
- Started all 16 games at cornerback
- 59 total tackles including 39 solo stops
- 7 special teams tackles (4 kickoff, 3 punt)
- MVFC Defensive Player of the Week following six solo tackles and his first career interception late in the 23-16 win at South Dakota State
- Recorded 7 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss and 1 pass breakup in the NCAA championship win over James Madison
Summary
Josh Hayes is a phenomenal special teams player and that will help him at the next level. You can see why he is a great special teams player when watching him as he is aggressive and physical. We also see Hayes is a good tackler and is not afraid to play his part in the run game. There is a chance that Hayes is asked to kick in to the Nickel position in the NFL but his combination of effort, competitive spirit and grit he should find a role as an immediate special teams contributor.
