Vincent Taylor, DT, Oklahoma State: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Vincent Taylor, a 2013 four-star recruit, started 26 of 36 career games
Vincent Taylor recorded 51 tackles, 13 for a loss and seven sacks as a redshirt junior in 2016 and was named first-team all-Big 12 for Oklahoma State. For his career, he amassed 112 tackles, 22.5 for a loss and 12 sacks. He was also credited with five blocked kicks, including an FBS-leading four in 2016.
Taylor played for one head coach and one defensive coordinator during his time with the Cowboys. He was primarily used as a defensive tackle in a four-man front. He possesses very good size on a bulky frame with solid athletic ability.
Measureables
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 310 lbs.
Games Watched
2016: Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Texas
2015: West Virginia
Strengths
Vincent Taylor displays good athletic ability, exploding out of his stance at the snap and aggressively attacking the offensive lineman. He demonstrates solid awareness as he keeps his eyes in the backfield and reads the play.
In the play below, Taylor does a very good job of reading and reacting to the offense. Lined up at the one technique between the center and right guard, he bull rushes his way into the backfield and prevents the running back from getting upfield after making his jump cut. The back attempts to spin out of trouble and reverse his field, but it’s too late. Taylor and a teammate are able to bring him down in the backfield for a loss.
Taylor possesses quick, strong hands which he uses to get inside the offensive lineman’s pads to gain control. That strength also allows him to take on double teams and prevent a lineman from climbing to the second level of the defense. Not only does he take on the double team, but he can beat it as well.
On this play against West Virginia, Taylor splits the double team by the center and left guard. Although he’s initially pushed off the line of scrimmage, he continues to fight and eventually makes the stop for no gain. The center on the play, Tyler Orlosky, is one of the top prospects at his position this year.
Whether he’s rushing the passer or playing the run, Taylor displays a solid closing burst before engulfing his opponent with his large frame to secure the tackle.
Taylor is a three-down defensive tackle who has been effective as a pass-rushing defensive tackle from both a three and four-man front. When he can’t create pressure, whether as a pass rusher or on the field goal unit, he gets his hands up to block the pass or kick.
Weaknesses
Vincent Taylor relies too much on upper body strength at the line of scrimmage. He comes off the ball too high with a narrow base which allows the offensive lineman to gain leverage and push Taylor off the line of scrimmage and away from the play.
On the following run play by Oklahoma, the left guard has no trouble getting under Taylor’s pads and driving him out of the play. This opens a big running lane for the running back to burst through for a solid gain.
Once blocked, Taylor has a difficult time disengaging and getting back into the play. When rushing the passer, he displays a marginal repertoire of moves. He’ll throw in a spin move every once in a while, but relies heavily on a bull rush.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Football
Against the run, Taylor possesses adequate play speed as he lacks the lateral quickness to move down the line of scrimmage to make stops.
Overall
Overall, Vincent Taylor is a developmental defensive tackle who wins with explosiveness and strength. He’s not someone who generates leverage by playing with a low center of gravity. His best fit at the next level is as a one or three technique in a four-man front. If he winds up being drafted by a team that utilizes a 3-4 defense, Taylor will likely be relegated to the role of a pass-rushing defensive tackle.
Taylor will likely be selected later than his spot on the big board would indicate. Talent wise, he’s a top-100 prospect, however, his pad level is a big concern. Two defensive tackle prospects in last year’s draft who played too upright, A’Shawn Robinson and Adolphus Washington, were selected later than their talent would indicate. If the pattern holds true in the 2017 NFL Draft, Taylor should expect to come off the board around the fifth round.