During his career with the Notre Dame football program, Daelin Hayes had some big moments, but never really became the star most expected coming out of Skyline (MI) High School. Sure, he was a starter by the time he was a sophomore and played big in some spots for the Irish, but he has really started to get some national buzz since his last season in South Bend ended.
Hayes went down to Mobile, Alabama, and showed out at the Senior Bowl, generating a lot of rave reviews from the scouts. He is scheduled to have multiple interviews before his Pro Day and is likely going to be an early Day 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
As we inch closer to the draft, let us take a look at three ideal landing spots for No. 9.
Notre Dame football: Ideal NFL spot for Daelin Hayes, No. 3
Detroit Lions
A product of the state of Michigan, Daelin Hayes originally committed to USC before landing with the Irish, and a return to the state he played his high school ball could be a good fit. The Detroit Lions have a brand new head coach, quarterback, and coaching staff heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, and they may want to bring a local kid home with their third or fourth-round pick.
Hayes would be joining a young defense in Detroit and a defense that has their holes up front along the defensive line. He would also be joining a former teammate in Julian Okwara, a player who helped him in his development in South Bend, and someone who could help him get used to the pro game next season.