Fansided
Fansided

College Football:NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up Week 1

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates with fans after scoring on a 41-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates with fans after scoring on a 41-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 9
Next
Dec 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Steven Taylor (41) reacts after making a defensive play during the first half against the Temple Owls in the Mid-American Conference football championship game at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Steven Taylor (41) reacts after making a defensive play during the first half against the Temple Owls in the Mid-American Conference football championship game at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Steven Taylor (OLB – Houston) vs. Oklahoma

With Elandon Roberts and William Jackson III now in the NFL, Steven Taylor is the undisputed leader of the Houston defense. After a 13-1 season in 2015, can Taylor lead the Cougars back to a New Year’s Six bowl game?

Houston will look to carry the momentum from the win against Florida State in the Peach Bowl over to this season. The road doesn’t get any tougher than the season opener against Oklahoma. Taylor, who among returning defenders led the team in tackles, sacks and interceptions, will have his hands full. Baker Mayfield and Samaje Perine lead the rushing attack, while Dede Westbrook and Mark Andrews are dangerous receivers.

Even if Houston can’t pull off the upset, expect Taylor to be all over the field and amass a ton of tackles. It’s unlikely he’ll be a first-round pick like Jackson, or even a day two selection, but Taylor will look to make a name for himself and earn a spot in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Next: Cooper Kupp

Home/NFL Draft