Levonta Taylor 2020 NFL Draft Profile

Florida State cornerback Levonta Taylor has had to live up to a list of high expectations after being ranked as the top cornerback recruit in the country. The Virginia Beach native was once a star cornerback for Ocean Lakes High School. Taylor recorded 51 tackles in his junior year. Taylor helped lead the Dolphins to their first state title in school history, defeating Justin Skule and Centreville 30-24 in overtime.

In his senior year, Taylor received multiple accolades from various areas.  He was a five-star player and earned the #5 ranking on the ESPN 300. He was also the #1 cornerback prospect and the best player from Virginia. Taylor recorded 40 tackles in his senior year. At the end of the season, Taylor would participate in the Under-Armour All-American game. Taylor would sign with Florida State following the season over other high profile schools.

College

In his first season of action, Taylor appeared in 12 games and recorded 16 tackles and one pass breakup. He had a season-best four tackles at NC State in Florida State’s 24-20, come-from-behind victory. Taylor had three tackles in the win over No. 6 Michigan at the Orange Bowl.

As a sophomore,  Taylor began to established himself as one of the best cover corners in the ACC.  He started all 13 games at cornerback, totaling 18 tackles and two interceptions. Both of his interceptions came against in-state rival Florida, the second was returned for a touchdown.

In his junior year, Taylor suffered a knee injury that kept him out for the first eight games of the season. He went on to record 19 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble. Taylor made three solo tackles in 28-24 victory at Louisville. He registered one tackle and one pass breakup at No. 17 Miami.

During his final year of college football, he appeared in 11 games with five starts and recorded 37 tackles, with 1.0 sack, one interception, three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries. He recorded a career-high seven tackles and his first collegiate sack in a 35-24 victory vs. Louisville. Taylor made three tackles and one interception at No. 25 Virginia. In his final collegiate game, he made two solo tackles in Sun Bowl vs. Arizona State.

Taylor finished his college career tied for fourth on FSU’s all-time career list with two interception return touchdowns. He recorded 65 tackles and four interceptions, two of which went for touchdowns. He also had 10 pass deflections.

Strengths

• Ideal size for a nickel cornerback;
• Can run from sideline to sideline;
• Good ball instinct;
• Good footwork;
• Very agile;
• High acceleration off the ball.

Weaknesses

• Injury setback with knee;
• Didn’t play much outside unlike in HS;
• Inconsistency with hands;
• Lack of playing time as a starter;
• Didn’t always play the best receiver;
• Overshadowed by other defensive stars.