DT, Terrance Taylor, Michigan

Pros:Prototypical nosetackle build, is consistent and can collapse a pocket.  Technically sound, and can hold his own versus double teams.

Cons: Consistent, but not special.  Would be a steal after the fifth round.  Poor conditioning, more soft than strong.  This is the likely explanation of his lack of explosion off the snap, and inability to keep his feet or maintain the intensity during the play.

Styg's Broncos "fit":   Denver would be very lucky to pick up this 4-star value in the fifth. He should be the last "pure" NT prospect to come off the board, and thus represents Denver's last realistic chance to cull a starter who could start for many teams. Taylor has significant conditioning issues, and if he addresses them before the combine, expect his stock to start to soar. A fit and conditioned Taylor could be a good find even in the third.

Around MHR:

 I’d like to see some leg strength. I think Terrance Taylor bombed in this senior year but I’m still very interested in him because of that leg strength.

by Colinski

My son attends U of Mich and goes to all of the games. He thinks Terrance is underated because the team flopped so badly this year. But Denver would probably have to reach a bit and take him in the 2nd.

by PigskinProphet

SBNation Says:

Terrance Taylor. With so few “pure” NTs, I think he could be a much more attractive option if he were to come into the combine in better shape. I get the impression watching him that if he could firm up some, and gain some more stamina that it would translate directly to the field for him. He might get quicker and sustain longer, and I can’t help but think he would be up an available to tackle the ball carrier instead of down on the turf routinely.

I love how he can clog up the works, and I really think if he could just get a little bit more “hang in there” that he could be a very respectable pick…

by styg50 on Mocking the Draft

 From "Some Alternatives to Raji" at Arrowhead Pride:

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.

Highlights

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• 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...[see more]
• Very athletic for such a big man. Was a state champion in wrestling as a senior and also was a state champion in power lifting as a sophomore, junior and as a senior....[see more]
• DT Terrance Taylor (6-0, 311) ran a 5.08 40, an impressive time for someone his size.  [see more...]
• A stocky, thickly built lineman with great lower body strength and power at the point of attack. Does a great job being stout inside and can eat up the double-team. Is difficult to move at the line of scrimmage and can push the pocket on passing downs. Has a decent first step for his size and plays with aggressiveness. Displays an angry punch on contact.  [see more...]