Report: Tennessee Titans LB Akeem Ayers traded to the Patriots

[Ross12]

Doug Kyed ?@DougKyedNESN 49s49 seconds ago
RT @jwyattsports: Been told #Titans are trading LB Akeem Ayers to the #Patriots. The only thing that would prevent is a failed physical

How do you all feel about this pickup?

 

[Ross12]

Further confirmation from the family...

Jeff Howe ?@jeffphowe 1m1 minute ago
Akeem Ayers' brother... RT @Kevin_Ayers: So my brother is a patriot now

And some background info on Akeem from Mike Loyko:

Mike Loyko ?@NEPD_Loyko 2m2 minutes ago
Akeem Ayers is a former 2nd round pick out of UCLA. Only 25 years old, fell out of favor in Tennessee with the scheme change.

Here is what the trade cost, reportedly:

Mike Loyko ?@NEPD_Loyko 2m2 minutes ago
#Patriots get Ayers and a 7th Round Pick (which they didn't have) give up a 6th Rounder.

 

[QB12]

Curran's reaction on Twitter was 'Wow.' I've heard the name, but don't know anything about his game. Who does he compare to?

 

[PatriotsInGA]

He's an upgrade over anyone in depth chart behind Collins/Hightower. He's not a complete scrub. I think I saw that the scheme change in Tennessee wasn't good for him? Interested to see who the Pats gave up

 

[patsinthesnow]

How good is he?

 

[Big-T]

An OLB with some pass rush ability, was known in College for getting picks. Not sure what he's like against the run but another LB body is welcome.

 

[jays52]

I freaking love this pickup.

 

[condon84]

He's an upgrade over anyone in depth chart behind Collins/Hightower. He's not a complete scrub. I think I saw that the scheme change in Tennessee wasn't good for him? Interested to see who the Pats gave up

Probably an upgrade over Collins in run support at the very least.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

Should be cheap as he's a FA after this season. Had a really good year in 2012 but the change in defenses wasn't kind to him.

 

[oldrover]

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6453/akeem-ayers

Seems better against the pass than the run. But b-b-b-baby, I'll take what I can get.

 

[PatsFan2]

OLB??? Thought we were looking for an inside Mike LB.

 

[Ross12]

I know most of us don't rely too heavily on PFF stats, but they did rank Ayers the #4 best OLB last year, for what it's worth.

 

[shmessy]

From Rotoworld 10/4/2014: TWO offseason knee ops.


http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6453/akeem-ayers

Titans OLB Akeem Ayers is optimistic he will be active this week against the Browns.
Ayers has been active once this season, and has yet to log a defensive snap. Ayers may not be the player he was before two separate knee operations this offseason, but he is a prototypical 3-4 outside 'backer that could add a spark to the Titans pass rush. The Titans have zero sacks from their outside linebackers this season. Oct 4 - 10:02 AM

 

[manxman2601]

NFL. Com pre draft scouting report:

Ayers is very impressive on the hoof and he has the speed and athleticism to make an immediate impact at the next level. He has the range and ball skills to play strong side linebacker in a 4-3, and the balance and closing burst to play outside linebacker in a 3-4. He lacks the lower body strength to be stout against the run, but uses his long arms to keep blockers away from his body and flashes the ability to quickly shed. Ayers is a versatile athlete with great measurables that projects to be selected in the middle of the first round.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/akeem-ayers?id=2495491

 

[reflexblue]

it not like bb to trade at this time of year, so he must think this kid can play.

 

[Big-T]

OLB??? Thought we were looking for an inside Mike LB.

Might be going 3-4?

Ayers & Chandler Jones at OLB then whoever on the DL.

 

[Rob0729]

He was a stud in 2012. Not as much since.

 

[jays52]

This screams that Hightower is moving to Mike in a 43 defense. Ayers is a ridiculously explosive player off the edge and pretty good at disengaging blocks. He'd been a highly productive player for them before the scheme change.

 

[condon84]

Titans fans reaction on their board is pretty funny.

Those guys are starving for a QB. One comment if the trade was for Jimmy G:

Now that would be AMAZING!!!!! I'd fly to Nashville tonight and kiss Webster if that happened, but thats literally impossible for just Ayers.

We would have to not only give them Ayers, but we'd have to give em Casey, Wright, and the other half of the McCourty twins to complete their set.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Hasn't done really Nothing since 2012...not getting my hope up at all. Just depth.