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The Chargers could be interested in new edge rushers this offseason, either via the draft or free agency, so it’s no surprise to hear some early reports about the team meeting with one of the more notable players at the position at this year’s Senior Bowl.
Add in the fact that he played his college football in South Bend and he may already be a Charger-in-waiting.
According to Justin Melo of USA Today’s The Draft Wire, the Bolts met with Notre Dame edge rusher Daelin Hayes this past week. In Melo’s interview with Hayes, the Golden Domer noted that he had met with all 31 teams at the all-star showcase except the Rams who weren’t present at the event. More specifically, Hayes highlighted a handful of team meetings that he called “great”, which included the Chargers, 49ers, Dolphins, and Raiders.
Notre Dame EDGE Daelin Hayes met with 31 teams formally at the Senior Bowl, noting that the #Rams weren't present.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) February 1, 2021
Said he had great meetings in particular with the #49ers, #Chargers, #Dolphins (who coached him), #Raiders, #Seahawks, #Steelers, #Falcons, #Bills and #Packers.
Hayes played five years for Notre Dame after receiving a medical hardship waiver after being limited to just three games in 2019 due to a season-ending shoulder injury. In his first full-time season as a starter in 2017, Hayes recorded career-highs with three sacks and 6.5 tackles-for-loss. As a graduate in 2020, he registered another three sacks and six tackles-for-loss in the shortened nine-game schedule for the Irish.
His final stat line from South Bend includes 97 total tackles, 20.5 TFLs, nine sacks, one interception, four pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries.
Hayes’ stock rose a bit following his performance at the Senior Bowl, but I still project him to be a third-round pick in the upcoming draft.