The fourth round has been kind to Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes.
Eleven-year end-tackle Robert Geathers (2004). Nose tackle and de facto defensive captain Domata Peko (2006). Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Geno Atkins (2010). Hayes can only hope he’s caught lightning in a bottle again with Arizona State three technique Marcus Hardison.
“I like getting my guys there,” Hayes agreed.
The 6-3, 311-pound Hardison has been called a “one-year wonder” but what a year it was this past season with ten sacks and six turnovers. He played up and down the line for the Sun Devils at all positions, but Hayes is going to put him behind Atkins at the three technique and hope his raw measurables translate into a NFL penetrating tackle like he showed late this past season.