Gerald Hayes

Hayes’ numbers dipped a bit in 2008 -- age, inconsistency and the big shadow of teammate Karlos Dansby were all significant factors -- but he still turned in a respectable 88 tackles and he led the Cardinals with four forced fumbles during the regular season. Hayes will turn 29 in October and he may never crack the 100-tackle plateau that he came so close to reaching in 2006 (93 tackles) and 2007 (98). He lacked versatility in 2008, recording zero interceptions and half a sack after netting three interceptions in 2006 and four sacks in 2007.

In his second year as a starter last season, Hayes again approached 100 tackles, posting 97 stops after 94 the previous year. His sacks jumped from one to four and he also made three interceptions. Hayes, who turns 28 in October, could reach triple-digit tackles in 2008, but he needs to improve his week-to-week consistency. He had eight or more tackles in six games last season, but had four or fewer stops in six other contests. Hayes was sometimes the forgotten man in Arizona last season, with fellow linebackers Karlos Dansby and Calvin Pace eating up a lot of the stats at times. Since Pace has left for the Jets, Hayes should have more opportunities to use his speed to make plays in 2008.

Hayes made considerable progress in 2006 and cemented himself as a young player to build around. He led the Cardinals with 94 tackles (79 solo) in just 14 games. Hayes is a versatile player who also chipped in three interceptions. The Cardinals will employ a new hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense this season, which means that Hayes should have company in the middle. We think he'll still have plenty of opportunities to make plays.

Missed the entire 2005 season with a knee injury that he sustained during training camp. If he makes the team this season, it will be as a depth guy. 9/3 Update: Hayes had a strong preseason and won Arizona's starting middle linebacker position. Mark him down as a sleeper pick.

Hayes was slated to start at linebacker but his role is now in question after a training camp injury.

In his rookie season he suffered a shoulder injury early, but did enough that he has to be considered a potential starter coming into camp. His status may well be determined by the health of Levar Fisher, but the three-time first-team all-Big East Conference selection from Pittsburgh has plenty of potential.