November 19, 2008 Geno Hayes has been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a knee injury, according to the Tampa Tribune. The club re-signed Matt McCoy as the adjoining move.
Our View:The high-energy rookie reminds the Buccaneers of Derrick Brooks, but he was limited to only 13 tackles (10 solo) in a reserve role this season, and held no value for standard IDP leagues.
November 18, 2008 Geno Hayes's season is hanging in the balance, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View:Hayes shouldn't have been on any rosters in IDP leagues and shouldn't affect the Bucs' defense too much.
November 16, 2008 Linebacker Geno Hayes injured his knee during the fourth quarter of the Week 11 win over the Vikings, and he did not return, the Tampa Tribune reports.
Our View:We'll might have an update on Hayes right after the game, but he may need to be checked out over the next day or two. The rookie is not useful in IDP leagues.
June 21, 2008 The Buccaneers have signed sixth-round linebacker Geno Hayes (Florida State), according to the Tampa Tribune. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View:Hayes lacks ideal size at 6-2 225, but is seen as a good fit for the Buccaneers' defensive scheme, which relies on speed and quickness rather than strength and size. He is still a project as a sixth-rounder, but could make some noise in the future if he works hard. He has a great mentor to learn from in Derrick Brooks.
May 5, 2008 Sixth-round draft pick Geno Hayes (Florida State) hopes to make an impact with the Buccaneers, according to the AP. Hayes said, "Everybody says they are going to come in with a chip on their shoulder. I don’t do the chip thing. I’m happy to be here. If you play with anger, you’re going to mess up some kind of way." He also thinks he has the tools to be a great NFL player, and Coach Jon Gruden said, "He has athletic ability. He’s what’s advertised. He’s going to be a good contact player, I think, when we start putting the pads on. He’s instinctive. He has good functional speed. He appears natural and comfortable in this defense. We’re excited by that. But for all these guys, it’s a big learning curve."
Our View:At only 6-foot-1, 226 pounds, Hayes lacks the size some teams require in linebackers. But he’s viewed as a good fit for the Buccaneers Tampa Two defensive scheme, which thrives on speed and quickness rather than bulk. His fantasy value will be limited as a rookie as Cato June, Barrett Ruud, and Derrick Brooks are firmly planted in their starting roles, but Hayes could make an impact in the future if he puts in the hard work and dedication. He should learn a lot from the talented group of aforementioned linebackers.
