Arkansas State center Jacob Bayer was a late invitee to the Senior Bowl. Bayer took full advantage of his opportunity. He was competitive during practice reps and also displayed the versatility necessary to play all three interior positions.
Bayer recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his experience in Mobile, playing multiple positions, which teams are showing the most interest in him thus far, and more. He'll provide depth and competition for an NFL offensive line next season.
JM: You were honored to participate in this year's Senior Bowl. What was the overall experience like?
Jacob Bayer: It was a great experience. I went out there and built some confidence. That was probably the biggest thing for me. Being a small-school guy and a late invitee, I went to Mobile with a lot to prove. I walked away with a great experience. I met some really good people.
JM: As a late invitee, what do you think you proved to general managers and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Jacob Bayer: I think I proved I belonged with the competition in attendance. I never looked or felt overwhelmed. I didn't have the best senior season compared to my 2023 campaign. I was battling through some injuries and things of that nature. I think I've shown I came out the other side better for it.
I'm back healthy. I've moved past the injuries. I'm back to the player I once was.
JM: It's been refreshing to see you recapture that form. You probably met with most teams at the Senior Bowl. That's standard practice. Did any of those team meetings particularly stand out? Which teams really gave off a great vibe?
Jacob Bayer: The New York Giants, they had my tape pulled up for the meeting, which was unique. Some interviews are better than others. Some teams are more engaged than others. The Giants were a good interview.
I’d probably say the same with the Steelers. Everybody knows their head coach. It was cool to meet Mike Tomlin and shake his hand. Those two interviews definitely stood out. There were a few other good ones, like the Jaguars. I did like 16 interviews in one day. It’s like rapid fire.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. You were a two-year starter for Arkansas State at center. Is that where teams primarily see you playing, or did they indicate you can play guard at the Senior Bowl as well?
Jacob Bayer: Most teams I spoke with, they obviously see center as being my main position. Of course, you need to have some versatility at the next level. Every team asked me if I’m comfortable playing guard and about any experience I had in college with it.
I never played guard in a game, but I had plenty of practice reps. I feel comfortable playing guard. The majority of my experience is obviously at center though.
JM: Would you compare yourself to any interior blockers in the league? Anyone you enjoy studying and learning from?
Jacob Bayer: Probably Quentin Nelson. It’s all about the effort he plays with. That’s the biggest thing. He’s violent and nasty, and his effort to the ball really stands out. If I’m trying to emulate anything, it’s the effort Quentin Nelson plays with.
JM: You arrived at Arkansas State after a stint at Lamar Football, an FCS program. Talk to me about handling that step up in competition by proving you could play at an elevated program like Arkansas State.
Jacob Bayer: I don’t think it was as big of a step up in competition. We played some other Group of Five schools when I was at Lamar and I always felt like I performed up to that level. That’s kinda what made me feel like I could make the jump to Arkansas State.
The year before I made the move, I played really well against a pair of Group of Five schools. I felt like I could make that jump. The biggest difference, and it was the same thing at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, is the size, quickness, and length of the defensive lineman. Other than that, the speed of the game improves a little bit. That’s about it.
JM: That makes sense. What was your favorite play to run in the playbook at Arkansas State? Something you got really excited about executing coming out of the huddle.
Jacob Bayer: My favorite play was probably duo. It looks like inside zone, but we had a different approach with it. We call it power with no pullers. It’s just two vertical double teams on the interior. We played it right into the linebacker’s lap.
The running back has a very easy read to make on the MIKE [linebacker]. My junior year and senior year, that was our go-to play. If we wanted a guaranteed four yards, that’s what we called.
JM: That was an awesome breakdown. We've appreciated your time today. What kinda guy is Jacob Bayer gonna be at the next level?
Jacob Bayer: Going forward, I want to be known as a high-effort player. I’m not going to take this opportunity for granted. I want my on-field play to reflect that. I’m never going to be the last one to the ball, the last one out of the huddle.
I’m going to be a guy you don’t have to worry about. I’m going to do my job at a high level.
