Darrell Taylor 2020 NFL Draft Profile

Darrell Taylor 2020 NFL Draft Profile

When an edge rusher with the last name Taylor comes out of your mouth, the first name that comes to mind is Lawrence Taylor. Like the fierce linebacker, Tennessee’s Darrell Taylor does come from the state of Virginia and that’s as close of a comparison as you get. The Hopewell native was a four-star defensive end prospect and one of the top players in Virginia back in 2014. Taylor committed to the Volunteers and would add to their history of producing great defenders including the late great Reggie White and most recently Derek Barnett who recovered the key fumble in Super Bowl LII for the Philadelphia Eagles.

After red-shirting his first season, he played in 8 games in 2016, Taylor made his first career start against Georgia Tech in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game. Taylor registered a career-high 12 tackles including the game-winning tackle of GT quarterback TaQuon Marshall in double overtime. Taylor went on to play four years and was considered one of the best pass rushers in the SEC. In 2018, Taylor was named team captain and record his best statistical season, racking up eight sacks including 11 TFL. Taylor was also named team MVP and a captain in 2018. Throughout his college career, Taylor racked up 19.5 sacks (10th in Volunteer history), 26.5 TFL and 118 total tackles. Taylor’s highlights included a four sack game versus the University of Kentucky in 2018. Taylor recorded 1.5 sacks against Indiana in his final collegiate game in the Gator Bowl, won by UT 23-22.

Strengths

Physically gifted for the NFL;

Looks to make a play on the ball every time;

Able to match up well within the SEC;

Can set the edge;

Has the ability to explode off the line;

Good flexibility when attacking.

Weaknesses

Doesn’t play the run as effective as the pass;

Slow in transition;

Off the field issue in 2017 resulting in suspension;

Struggles when double teamed;

Slow when off the ball;

No signature attack mode and can be easily figured out.

NFL Comparison: Josh Sweat

Projection: 5th-6th round pick

Bottom Line on Darrell Taylor

Taylor is your classic combine star who has high-level traits that can appeal to teams but skillwise ranks as a middle of the pack player. If he gets hot, his motor will run strong and there’s no chance of blocking. A simple step in the other direction can shift his whole game. His best fit is as a 4-3 defensive end. He displays strength and his body has the ability to be elusive in any system.

However, a slow first step will likely discourage teams from drafting him before Round 4. Also, his inability to avoid double teams will likely make him a practice squad candidate for at least one year. Taylor’s ability to adjust to shifts and changes by opposing offenses will also improve instead of simply relying on strength to attack the QB. The main thing for him to improve on is dropping into coverage and attack the run with the same level of intensity he invests in attacking the pass.