Robert Ayers Top 5? C'Mon Mayock

According to Mike Mayock of the NFL Network, the most popular Draft Analyst among draftniks, Tennessee's DE Robert Ayers is the 5th Overall Prospect in the NFL Draft. I apologize, but did I just wake up from a coma? When did this happen? I respect the opinion of Mayock and he seems to be the most grounded and knowledgeable of the popular draft analysts, but it seems even Mayock is susceptible to hype and emotion.

Robert Ayers is an excellent defensive end prospect, but a top five prospect HAS to produce better than Ayers. I'm a big numbers guy (stats and measurables), but I understand the idea of grading a prospect based on game film. That's what Mayock does. Still, to be ranked in the top 5, a prospect better show me more than Ayers did in college. To get a better idea of what I'm talking about, here are his numbers over the last three years:

2006: 25 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 2 QBH, 1 BrUp
2007: 34 tackles, 12 TFL, 4 sacks, 4 QBH, 2 BrUp
2008: 49 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 6 QBH, INT

Mayock is willing to pay $23 million guaranteed to a prospect with 8 sacks in 3 years? A top 5 prospect must be able to control a game much better than that. I like Ayers as a prospect and he's probably one of the best base 4-3 defensive ends in this draft, but that's not a top 5 prospect.

Here's my brief scouting report from Ayers, a 1 year starter.

Pros: Ayers has the length, speed, and natural build to play the 4-3 base defensive end position. He plays with a good base and strength to hold up at the point of attack. Unlike many first round defensive ends, Ayers is a run defender and plays it really well. He does an incredible job using his length and hands to maneuver tackles. Ayers is a multidimensional defensive end that can compete at several positions and techniques.
Cons: He never really developed into a great pass rusher. His first step and suddenness is only average, so has been forced to rely on alternative methods to apply pressure. Ayers doesn't have a great variety of moves and that also made his game predictable. He still doesn't play with consistent leverage and pad level. Low production and one-year wonder stigmas come attached.

I'd have no problem taking Ayers at the bottom of round one or the beginning of round two, but in the top 15, the criteria changes. Top 5? You better have a better overall resume than Ayers with fewer holes throughout.