Draft Scout Snapshot:DS Rating on 8/24/08: #51 DE, #599/750 Overall, Projected Rnd: FA 2008: All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection and co-recipient of the Andy Spiva Award, given to the team's most improved defensive player. Started all 12 games at right defensive end, leading the conference with a career-high 15.5 stops for losses of 63 yards. Ranked sixth on the squad with a career-high 49 tackles (34 solos) that included three sacks for minus 29 yards and six quarterback pressures. Gained eight yards when he returned his first career interception...Ayers started 14-of-48 games at Tennessee, recording 113 tackles (79 solos) with nine sacks for minus-61 yards, 31.5 stops for losses of 125 yards and 12 QB pressures. Deflected three passes and intercepted another for an 8-yard return. His 22.5 stops of opposing ball carriers (not including sacks) behind the line of scrimmage rank sixth in school history behind Eric Westmoreland (34.0, 1996, 98-2000), Al Wilson (27.0, 1995-98), Leonard Little (25.0, 1995-97), Ben Talley (24.0, 1991-94) and Andy Spiva (23, 1973-76). Ayers' 15.5 tackles for loss (including sacks) in 2008 tied James Wilson (1993) for ninth on the Vols' season-record chart, while his 12.5 stops of opposing ballcarriers (sacks not included) behind the line of scrimmage rank fourth on the annual record list, topped by Leonard Little (14.0 in 1995), Jesse Mahelona (13.5 in 2004) and Greg Jones (13.0 in 1976)...2007: 14 GP; 0 GS; 25 Sol-34 TT, 12 TFL, 4 SK, 2 PBU, 3 QBH; Games/Starts: 14/0 ... 2006: 13 GP; 2 GS; 19 Sol-25 TT, 3 TFL, 1 SK, 1 PBU, 2 QBH; Games/Starts: 13/2...2005: 9 GP; 0 GS; 3 Sol-5 TT, 1 TFL, 1 SK; Suspended during spring 2005 for April arrest for aggravated assault at on-campus party. Pled to misdemeanor assault and paid court fees and restituation to the victim. Games/Starts: 9/0 ... 2004: Redshirted.
Post-Draft Outlook:BEST PICK: Robert Ayers was in the discussion for the Broncos' 12th pick, but Denver had running back Knowshon Moreno higher on its board and was gambling Ayers would still be around with the 18th pick. The move paid off when Ayers fell, allowing Denver to take a player that could fit as a 3-4 end or at outside linebacker. A closer look at the Broncos' picks: Round 1/18 -- Robert Ayers, LB/DE, 6-3, 273, Tennessee...Ayers didn't start until his senior year but made the most of it, parlaying a big year into a first-round grade. The Broncos will start Ayers at end, but he could end up at outside linebacker. Denver also thinks Ayers is versatile enough to play at tackle in passing situations. He provides immediate help to the front seven. - by The Sports Xchange
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Draft Scout Robert Ayers News
12/05/12 - DE Robert Ayers returned to practice Tuesday after missing the entire week of practice to be with his family after the unexpected death of his father, Robert Ayers, Sr., at the age of 52.
12/04/12 - DE Robert Ayers was deactivated after missing the entire week of practice to be with his family after the unexpected death of his father, Robert Ayers, Sr., at the age of 52. Ayers tweeted his thanks to fans for their support Sunday night and is expected back this week.
11/30/12 - --DE Robert Ayers left the team Monday to be with his family after the sudden death of his father Saturday and was excused from Wednesday's practice. Ayers played Sunday in Kansas City, less than 16 hours after hearing the news.
11/26/12 - DE Robert Ayers left the team Monday to be with his family after the sudden death of his father Saturday. Ayers played Sunday in Kansas City, less than 16 hours after hearing the news.
01/19/12 - DE Robert Ayers, the 2009 draft pick, was better with the move away from outside linebacker in a 3-4 to a hand-on-the-ground end but he lacks the get-off of a pass rusher.
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