Dadrion Taylor-Demerson 2024 NFL Draft Overview
Height: Five-foot-ten
Weight: 197 pounds
Position: Safety
School: Texas Tech
2024 NFL Draft: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson Scouting Report
Few prospects in this year’s class have appeared in more games than Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. In five years at Texas Tech, Taylor-Demerson played in 59 games and got started early in his true freshman season. In 2019, the young safety made two starts for the Red Raiders while appearing in nine other games. On the year, accounted for 16 tackles, a tackle for loss, and recovered a fumble. In his sophomore year, Taylor-Demerson made three starts while appearing in seven other games. He matched his freshman production with 16 tackles and one more for loss.
He took a massive step forward in 2021 as he became a regular member of the secondary. Taylor-Demerson played 12 games and amassed 62 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 13 pass breakups. The safety took another step forward in 2022 with 12 starts and a new career-best 74 tackles. He added 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, three interceptions, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
He elected to come back for a fifth season and continued his high level of play. Taylor-Demerson accounted for another 73 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, four interceptions, and 12 pass breakups. He earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors for his efforts.
Strengths
- One of the most experienced safeties in the class
- Very productive; 10 interceptions, 33 PBUs over the last three years
- Elite speed, ran a 4.41 at the Scouting Combine
- Has great ball skills
- Can line up in any scheme or alignment
- Very instinctual, can key in on a quarterback’s intentions with the slightest tell
I don't know if Dadrion Taylor-Demerson will be the first safety drafted, but if he goes to Vic Fangio he might end up being the best one. pic.twitter.com/4mLYxLxjOX
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) April 11, 2024
Weaknesses
- Is on the smaller side
- Can get caught staring into the backfield, susceptible to play action
- Not the best run defender
- Has been burnt deep, will need to develop his route concept recognition
NFL Player Comparison: Jordan Whitehead
Projection: Third/Fourth Round
Best Fits: Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bottom Line on Dadrion Taylor-Demerson
With nearly 60 games under his belt, Taylor-Demerson is one of the most experienced players in this year’s draft class at any position. He was a contributor early and truly broke out to become a leader of the Red Raiders’ defense for three years.
Taylor-Demerson projects as a true centerfielder free safety. His ball skills and top-end speed give him the tools to cover anything that comes his way. He does have a tendency to get caught looking into the backfield and was susceptible to giving up the deep shot from receivers sneaking in behind him.
He’s not likely to be much of a box safety as his tackling and run defense needs some work. His athletic profile suggests that he’s going to be a coverage safety. With 10 interceptions and 33 pass breakups over the last three years, Taylor-Demerson has shown that he can be trusted in coverage.
In the right situation, he can be a day-one starter. Even if he’s drafted as depth, he can develop into a solid starter after a year. Additionally, his experience on special teams will be useful and will make sure he has an opportunity to see real playing time early.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
