Patrick Taylor 2020 NFL Draft Profile

Patrick Taylor was poised for a breakout senior season in 2019 for the Memphis Tigers. Over the previous two years, he put up good numbers in both the rushing and receiving game despite splitting touches with current Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson. Taylor put up 1,012 rushing yards as a junior with an average of over five yards per carry. As a receiver, he racked up 196 yards on 16 receptions. With Henderson out of the lineup, 2019 would have been Taylor’s year to finally shine as the featured back. Unfortunately, Taylor didn’t get that chance, as an ankle injury limited him to just six appearances and two starts.

The physical potential with Taylor is promising. He has good speed open field speed for a back with his incredible size. His muscular build, big frame, and strength definitely won’t hurt him when it’s time to convert a first down against NFL linebackers and defensive linemen. Sure his ankle injury might scare teams, but with his physical traits and production in college, he’ll definitely have some interest.

Strengths

Great size and strength for short yardage situations;

Falls forward more often than he falls backward;

Surprisingly good as a receiver for a back with his size;

Not easily knocked off balance by big hits;

Highly productive in college, knows how to find the end zone;

Has experience on special teams coverage teams.

Weaknesses

Limited agility, only way of breaking tackles is by running guys over;

Doesn’t hit the hole with a purpose, sometimes too patient;

Height limits his ability to get low through contact;

Bad fundamentals in pass protection;

Not the best vision, struggles to find a hole;

When he does find the hole, struggles to make himself small and get slippery.

NFL Comparison: Benny Snell

Projection: 6th or 7th round pick

Bottom Line on Patrick Taylor

Patrick Taylor’s strength as a runner and production as a receiver make him a promising prospect with good versatility. He will need to get quicker and his pass protection will definitely need some work. But there is a role for him on any NFL team, even if that role is simply a goal line or short yardage ball carrier. His ankle injury could hurt his draft stock a little, but there are currently no signs that the injury will be a big deal moving forward. If healthy, Taylor will enjoy a career of converting first downs and finding his way into the end zone.