UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers has decided to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft. Ayers is a 6'4", 255-pound prospect with NFL-ready size, speed and talent. Ayers received a first or second round grade from the NFL Draft advisory committee. He was a second team Walter Camp All-American, Butkus Award finalist and an All Pac-10 player. He finished the season with 68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions. ESPN lists him as the No. 15 draft prospect. Ayers said in a statement, "I will miss playing with my UCLA teammates next year but I feel that the decision to go to the NFL is what is best for my family. I will always be a Bruin."

Fantasy Analysis:

In my 2011 NFL Mock Draft here at FFToolbox, I have Ayers selected with the No. 19 pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's not exactly a great fit for the Tampa 2 defensive scheme but his pick has more to do with when he goes in the draft, not to which team. Ayers is a huge, fast, physical guy who is sure to test well at the NFL Combine. It's been a foregone conclusion that he would enter for the draft as the hype surrounding him has been palpable for months and months. Keep an eye on his teammate, safety Rahim Moore, who is also likely to declare for the draft very soon.