Overview
Position: Offensive tackle
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 340 pounds
School: Florida Gators
Combine Performance Data
Bench press: 24 reps
Jawaan Taylor 2019 NFL Draft Profile
Prior to signing with the University of Florida, Jawaan Taylor led his high school team as a senior to the Class 4A state semifinals. He was a first-team All-State recipient that year. In his freshman year at Florida in 2016, Taylor played in all 13 games and started 12 of them at right tackle. He was the only freshman to play on the offensive line that year. He earned Freshman All-America honors and was selected to the Freshman All-SEC Team. Taylor’s sophomore season saw him start all 11 games. He started nine of those games at right tackle and the final two games at left tackle.
Since completing his junior year at Florida, Taylor has declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. In his final season with the Gators, Taylor played in all 13 of Gators’ games, making 12 starts at right tackle. Florida’s offensive line allowed just 18 sacks all year. Taylor earned Second Team All-SEC honors and was even named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Strengths
- powerful hands. Very powerful all around;
- his length allows for a great reach;
- frames his blocks well;
- pass sets are excellent;
- can win with strength;
- difficult blocker to shed. Once his hands are set he locks up his man;
- very strong reset;
- washes away defenders with his foot speed, quickness, and his overwhelming power;
- played both right and left tackle;
- athletic, and mirrors his defender superbly;
- strong anchor;
- flexible, and has excellent lower body mobility.
Weaknesses
- needs to keep his hips lower. Has a tendency to be off balance at times;
- occasionally he will carry his hands too low which can expose him;
- could benefit from gaining more leverage;
- needs to keep working on his kick slide;
- could use technical work on his hands.
NFL Comparison: Andrew Whitworth
Teams With Need at Position: Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals.
Bottom Line
Taylor, in a deep class of offensive linemen, is a prospect that pops off the screen. He’s one of, if not the strongest, tackles in this class and should show that strength even more at the Combine. His athleticism is uncommon for someone his size. Taylor’s quickness, foot speed and ability to take on any type of rusher and get to the second level is tremendous.
Taylor is going to make a name for himself with his powerful hands and ability to lock down his defenders. He is able to move defenders wherever he needs to in order to generate holes in the run game and dominate in the passing game. The fact that he can win with shear strength means Taylor certainly can excel at the next level. Add on the fact that his technique is sound and he is very flexible and has a strong anchor, Taylor is poised to be a star for any NFL team. His ability to play both the right and left side of the line will also be very appealing to teams.
