2012 Scouting Report: Devin Taylor, DE/OLB, SC
By Editorial Staff
This is our Devin Taylor scouting report. Taylor is a talented defensive linemen prospect who didn’t take the necessary step forward that many people expected this season and should consider returning for his senior season in 2012. For all of our other scouting reports check out our scouting report page
Measurables
6’7
260 pounds
(combine numbers will be posted here after combine happens)
Stats
2011 Season:
Games: 12
Tackles: 37
TFL: 6.5
Sacks: 5
FF: 0
Int: 1
Career:
Games: 38
Tackles: 111
TFL: 25
Sacks: 17.5
FF: 1
Int: 2
Pros:
Three Year Starter
Amazing Athletic Ability
Great Size, with really long arms
Will be able to add mass without losing athletic ability
Adapt in coverage for such a big man
Played elite competition
Scheme versatility in both 3-4 OLB and 4-3 DE
Explosive with a lot of potential
Cons:
Does not produce consistently
More of an athlete than he is a football player
Lacks pass rush moves
Might need to play in a 3-4 OLB position to achieve potential
leverage
Player Comparison: Michael Johnson, Bengals
Round Projection: Early 3rd Round
Summary:
Devin Taylor was a much talked about prospect entering his Junior Season. Early struggles almost guarantees that he return to school… though his game picked up towards the end of the season. I think he would be best suited to return to school; Add some mass, work on his craft, and hope to be more productive which would lead to a second round or even late first round grade. As it stands now I think he would be a late 2nd day pick to a team that plays both 4-3 and 3-4 defenses such as: Bills, Patriots, Jaguars, Ravens, Cowboys, Cardinals, and Panthers.
NFLmocks Preseason Bio:
Big, lanky defensive end prospect who is nothing short of a playmaker. He burst on to the scene as a sophomore last year when he had 12 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, and an astounding 8 passes broken up. Taylor also had 11 quarterback hurries, and proved to be one of the most valuable pieces of the South Carolina defense. First team All-SEC selection who could add weight and become a dominant force at the defensive end position. Taylor is also on Phil Steele’s first team All-American list for the 2011 season, an indication of how much progress he made last year. Taylor also had an interception for a touchdown this past season against Tennessee. Only 19 career starts, but right now, he has the makings of a special player. He could really emerge in 2011 with the overall talent of the South Carolina defensive line.
Video:
JPdsrafJedi on youtube
Visit draftbreakdown.com
Devin Taylor vs Georgia 2011
vs Kentucky and Auburn