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Photo of Terrance Taylor
Grade
?
  • 5.39 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 37 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 30.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 104.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.78 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 5.06 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'0" Height
  • 306LBS. Weight

Overview

A fire hydrant run-stopper in the middle of the defense, he can collapse the pocket and aggravate quarterbacks, all while making life easier for his teammates on the line. He flashed skills as a freshman, and was a starter in the middle the past three seasons. Much was expected out of Taylor after earning a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2007 (55 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks), but his play noticeably dropped off as a senior (35 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks). Taylor's push up the middle is certain to intrigue teams looking for a plugger on the D-line, but his lack of improvement as a senior and struggles at the East-West Shrine Game put him in the middle or late portion of the second day in this draft.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Prime NFL nose tackle candidate. ... Plays with good leverage, keeping his pad level low and square and getting his hands high and inside. ... Does not move much against double teams, holding his ground against the run. ... When fresh, he gets off the ball and pushes the center into the backfield to blow up inside runs. ... On occasion he can quickly knife through the A-gap to get pressure on the quarterback. ... Will chase downfield at times. ... Plays with a mean streak. ... Voted team captain in 2008. Negatives: Short and not in great shape. ... Does not shed blocks when straight-up on his man, but makes plays when lined up on the shoulder of the center or guard. ... Better conditioning could help him get off the ball and collapse the pocket consistently. ... Doesn't get his hands up often enough to break up passes. ... Exposed a bit at the East-West Shrine Game for being a bit of a one-trick pony. ... Makes piles in short-yardage situations but does not stay on his feet consistently enough to stop the runner.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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