2015 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Hayes Pullard, ILB, USC

The USC Trojans are known for churning out some quality linebackers. The New York Giants recently nabbed what looks to be a steal of one in Devon Kennard. Should they hit USC up once again in the middle rounds for another possible gem? Is there one even there to take? Hayes Pullard would be the answer to that, and he could absolutely be another pleasant surprise for whatever team decides to draft him. Let's look at why.

Pros

- Aggressive and plays with controlled abandon.

- Fundamentally sound tackler.

- Backpedal in coverage is surprisingly good.

- Instinctive player in both coverage and in run defense. He's where he needs to be.

- Fluid hips that can move well laterally

Cons

- Undersized at 6-foot-1, 233 pounds.

- Below average athleticism that could hinder him at the next level.

- Inconsistent at shedding tacklers.

- Acceleration is poor.

Does He Fit With The Giants?

Yes. He's got the instincts and he's got the aggression. Heck, he's even got the lack of athleticism that makes him a dead ringer for Giants linebackers right now! I'm half-kidding. Pullard is someone that I had higher hopes for early on to try and develop into a more athletic specimen, but it didn't happen. That's okay though, there will always be a spot on the team for players that love to get down and dirty and are just good, old fashioned football players.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - Not rated in top 100

Mocking The Draft - 94

CBS Sports - 201

Draft Tek - 85

Final Thoughts

I think Pullard is a day 3 prospect because of his size and athletic limitations. He's someone that you root for though. He's still consistently around the ball and plays with a great motor. If Chris Borland went in Round 3, I think Pullard is a poor man's version because he struggles to shed blocks but he could still make an impact for whatever team drafts him. If the Giants took him in Round 5, there'd be absolutely no complaints from me. Could even make a case for him in the fourth round.