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Taylor Moton, OT/OG, Western Michigan: 2017 NFL Draft Profile

By Dylan Huberman

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Alec James (57) and Western Michigan Broncos offensive lineman Taylor Moton (72) in action in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Alec James (57) and Western Michigan Broncos offensive lineman Taylor Moton (72) in action in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a draft class where offensive linemen lack skill and versatility, Moton’s experience at both tackle and guard during his collegiate career will pay off on draft day. 

The 2017 draft class boasts elite talent at virtually every position other than the offensive line. Only a few offensive linemen are expected to go in the first round.

However, that does not mean there aren’t undervalued talents waiting outside the first round. One of those gems, as the football world saw at the combine last week, is an exciting Western Michigan product.

Measurables

Height: 6’5″

Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Western Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Moton goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Western Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Moton goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Weight: 319 lbs

Arm Length: 34 1/8”

Hands: 10 5/8”

Strengths

Versatility is one of a lineman’s greatest weapons. Moton has plenty of experience at tackle, where he played in 2013, 2014 and 2016, as well as guard, where he lined up for the entirety of the 2015 season.

Durability is also a treasured trait that teams value highly. Moton has started every single game for Western Michigan from 2013-2016.  He did not miss a single game in his college career, which is something very few prospects at any position can say.

Regarding physical traits, he has massive arms, hands, and legs. His limbs are also quite strong. He is a wall of downhill force when he is on the move, and when on the line of scrimmage, he can smother anyone coming at him.

He is very, very athletic for someone of his stature. At last week’s combine, the big man ran a 4.58 40-yard-dash, good for fourth amongst all offensive linemen.

Weaknesses

His hands are not as quick as they need to be. The weight of his massive arms is problematic. Once he decides to throw his arms somewhere, he cannot move them quick enough to deter the athletic pass-rushers of today’s game.

His footwork also could use some refinement. His center of gravity is fine, but if a rusher tries to go around him, which is likely given his imposing size and strength, he will have difficulty sealing the edge. Pass protection, therefore, is not his strong suit.

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Bottom Line

Moton’s weaknesses, although minimal, hinder his pass protection skills. However, the same attributes that hurt his pass protection make his run blocking second to none in this shallow draft class of offensive linemen. His weaknesses could be addressed with the right coaching, and his strengths can only be maximized at the next level.

When he gets his hands on a defender, that defender is pretty much out of the play. His track record of durability is even more impressive considering his physical style. He will likely go in the second round but could turn into a reliable, long-term option for a team that sees his potential.

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