sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Draft Rundown
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: Leading into the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be held April 28-30, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at several draft prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor.)
Name: Phil Taylor
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Baylor
Height/Weight: 6-3/335
Age: 22
Honors/Awards: Second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2010.
Strengths: That's just it - strength. That's the best part of Taylor's game, other than the rare athleticism that comes along with it. But with his size, Taylor seems to be an ideal fit in a 3-4 scheme that so many defenses are starting to play. He's got the power to hold his own inside, but he also has quick feet to make a push in the pass rush. Baylor actually used Taylor on occasional offensive plays as a lead fullback, which shows his ability to get off the line of scrimmage quickly. He also has a knack for blocking field goals and extra points.
Weaknesses: While Taylor's stock has risen here lately, it's mainly because of his intangibles and size. He doesn't quite have the production to match, although the potential is certainly there. Taylor had some conditioning issues during his first two years at Baylor, where he wasn't always on the field in short-yardage situations, but got it under control more this past season. He did have some off-the-field issues during his time at Penn State before he transferred to Baylor along with coach Brian Norwood, who became Baylor's defensive coordinator.
Sound Bites: Baylor head coach Art Briles on Taylor's rejuvenated senior season after what some considered a disappointing junior campaign: "What he did, he revamped his attitude, his work ethic and his focus. When you plan and you strive and you prepare, then you have an opportunity to have accomplishment. We're really proud of the way he's helped himself to help us."
Where He's Headed: At the end of the season, Taylor was figured to be a third-round pick at best. But after an impressive Senior Bowl week and another good showing at the Scouting Combine, Taylor is likely headed for the late first round, or maybe a high second-round pick.
How He Helps the Cowboys: If the Cowboys end up trading down from the No. 9 spot and land a pick somewhere in the 20s range, then Taylor could be available. If perhaps Taylor falls down to No. 40, where the Cowboys are selecting in the second round, he could also be an option. But with the Cowboys playing a 3-4 scheme, Taylor could help immediately in the middle of the line. Even with Jay Ratliff in the fold, a guy like Taylor, with his strength and athletic ability, could be an instant upgrade to the overall depth at defensive tackle.
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: Leading into the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be held April 28-30, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at several draft prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor.)
Name: Phil Taylor
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Baylor
Height/Weight: 6-3/335
Age: 22
Honors/Awards: Second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2010.
Strengths: That's just it - strength. That's the best part of Taylor's game, other than the rare athleticism that comes along with it. But with his size, Taylor seems to be an ideal fit in a 3-4 scheme that so many defenses are starting to play. He's got the power to hold his own inside, but he also has quick feet to make a push in the pass rush. Baylor actually used Taylor on occasional offensive plays as a lead fullback, which shows his ability to get off the line of scrimmage quickly. He also has a knack for blocking field goals and extra points.
Weaknesses: While Taylor's stock has risen here lately, it's mainly because of his intangibles and size. He doesn't quite have the production to match, although the potential is certainly there. Taylor had some conditioning issues during his first two years at Baylor, where he wasn't always on the field in short-yardage situations, but got it under control more this past season. He did have some off-the-field issues during his time at Penn State before he transferred to Baylor along with coach Brian Norwood, who became Baylor's defensive coordinator.
Sound Bites: Baylor head coach Art Briles on Taylor's rejuvenated senior season after what some considered a disappointing junior campaign: "What he did, he revamped his attitude, his work ethic and his focus. When you plan and you strive and you prepare, then you have an opportunity to have accomplishment. We're really proud of the way he's helped himself to help us."
Where He's Headed: At the end of the season, Taylor was figured to be a third-round pick at best. But after an impressive Senior Bowl week and another good showing at the Scouting Combine, Taylor is likely headed for the late first round, or maybe a high second-round pick.
How He Helps the Cowboys: If the Cowboys end up trading down from the No. 9 spot and land a pick somewhere in the 20s range, then Taylor could be available. If perhaps Taylor falls down to No. 40, where the Cowboys are selecting in the second round, he could also be an option. But with the Cowboys playing a 3-4 scheme, Taylor could help immediately in the middle of the line. Even with Jay Ratliff in the fold, a guy like Taylor, with his strength and athletic ability, could be an instant upgrade to the overall depth at defensive tackle.