Nick Hayden SELECTED BY: Carolina Panthers Round 6(15)

SI Grade 3.30 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter who posted 48/8.5/4.5 last season. Career-high numbers of 56/9/5.5 came during his sophomore campaign.

POSITIVES: Explosive inside plugger whose play has been inconsistent the past three seasons. Possesses tremendous first-step quickness, explosive in all his actions, and plays with good lean. Drives up the field, displays good hand technique, and works hard. Shows a good head for the ball and quickly diagnoses the action.

NEGATIVES: Straight-line defender who struggles to change direction or redirect the ball-carrier. Gets tall as the play proceeds. Wears down over the course of the game.

ANALYSIS: Hayden offers potential as a rotational lineman on the front four at the next level. He must improve the consistency of his game and learn to do the little things well to meet the expectations of NFL scouts.

PROJECTION: Early Seventh Round