Terrance Taylor Scouting Report

The University of Michigan's Terrance Taylor is a phenomenal athlete. Aside from being a top football recruit out of high school, Taylor was also a three time state power lifting champion in Michigan, and the undefeated heavyweight state wrestling champion as a senior. Taylor's training as a wrestler has helped his football tremendously, because of the sports focus on positioning, balance and technique. His massive frame has allowed him to eat up blockers during his collegiate career, even while playing the nose tackle in former coach Lloyd Carr's 3-4 defense. Taylor has played in 47 games during his career as a Wolverine, registering 104 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and has batted down 3 passes at the line of scrimmage. His athletic ability has even made a difference for the Michigan special teams unit, where he blocked two kicks during his junior year and 1 as a senior. Taylor will provide whichever NFL team that drafts him with some versatility. He would be perfect in a 4-3 system with a smaller pass rushing tackle at his side, and is very comfortable playing nose tackle in the 3-4 alignment. Taylor also has the size/speed combination that could cause offenses nightmares if he lined up as a huge 3-4 defensive end at times. If he works out well and can run a 4.8 second 40 at the combine (his unofficial best time), his stock would sky rocket. Taylor could go anywhere in the second to fourth round, depending on the demand for defensive tackles at the top of the draft. Terrance Taylor participated in the East-West Shrine Game in January. Taylor proved during the week of practice to be extremely tough to block one on one. During the weekend's game, Taylor recorded 3 tackles and showed the ability to take on multiple blockers so his linebackers were free to make plays. Terrance Taylor was very impressive during the NFL Combine. He notched 37 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, the second highest total of all participants. He also ran a very respectable 5.24 second 40 yard dash. Taylor can play in the 4-3 and can serve as depth at both tackle and end in a 3-4, which increases his value. He should be drafted in the early fourth round, but could sneak into round three if there is a run on defensive tackles. Once thought to be a first round prospect, Terrance Taylor is now trying to work his way back up draft boards. The big defensive tackle lowered his 40 yard dash time to 5.08 seconds at his Pro Day workout and may have pushed himself into round three with his performance.