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Today we are going to look at a draft prospect who is already a Bronco. Like Ryan Clady, this player’s alma mater is Boise St. I’m talking about Jamar Taylor, a 5’11", 196 lb. Cornerback prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft. Ranked 7th out of 255 Cornerback prospects nationally and 60th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, Jamar is expected draft slot is in the 2nd round. Taylor’s pre-Combine 40 Time is listed as 4.47 seconds.
BIO
A Redshirt Senior for the Broncos, Jamar wore the #5 jersey. Majoring in Communication, Taylor earned 3 Varsity Letters during his time in Boise.
Arm Length: 29 3/8"
Hand Length: 9 3/8"
During his career, Jamar had 132 Tackles, seven Interceptions and 4 Sacks. As a senior he was a first team All-MWC selection.
As a Junior in 2011, Taylor started nine games, missing four due to injury. He registered 27 Tackles, 2 Tackles For a Loss and a half Sack. He had 6 Pass Breakups and 2 Interceptions, returning one 100 yards for a touchdown against Arizona State in the MAACO Bowl (see video below).
In 2010, Jamar started in 12 games after redshirting the previous season. He totaled 35 Tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 Sack, Forced three Fumbles and had 2 Pass Breakups. Taylor was also named to the WAC All-Academic Team for the second time.
As a FReshman in 2008, he played in all 14 Broncos games, with 24 Tackles, one Pass Breakup and one Interception.
2013 SENIOR BOWL NOTES
Jamar performed well in front of NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel in the Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Ala. Taylor was "very good" in practice and helped his draft stock, an NFL scout told the Idaho Statesman. An AFC director of scouting was quoted in the Senior Bowl’s official practice reports saying Taylor was one of three standout Cornerbacks on the North team. Taylor, an All-Mountain West first-teamer and three-year starter has played mostly on the left side of the defense, but he also plays nickel in passing situations.
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport singled out the North cornerbacks as a position loaded with talent at the Senior Bowl. Taylor tops the list, because he disrupts at the catch point and sticks with receivers very well in press or off man coverage.
An NFL scout told the Idaho Statesman that Taylor was "very good" in Mobile and helped his stock. An AFC director of scouting was quoted in the Senior Bowl’s official practice reports saying Taylor was one of three standout cornerbacks for the North.
DRAFT PROFILE
NFL.COM DRAFT
GRADE - 79.5
OVERVIEW
The Boise State defense finished the 2012 regular season ranked 4th in the country in pass defense and Taylor was the main reason for this success. Like many other players in the Mountain West, Jamar isn’t well-touted or known nationally. However, there are those who believe he will rise in the rankings before April’s draft because of his athletic and competitive nature.
STRENGTHS: Jamar is a versatile corner with extensive experience playing off-man and zone coverage. He has a willingness to get physical with the receivers and is good at redirecting their routes using his hands. He possesses fluid hips and is smooth in and out of the back pedal. Will stick his nose in the run game when he is able to set the edge. Taylor has good straight-line speed and reportedly was timed at 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash by Boise State coaches.
A reliable run defender who doesn't back down from a challenge, Taylor keeps his containment responsibilities, shows the ability to break free from blocks and is a reliable open field tackler who plays with toughness. Named a team captain in 2012 and is viewed by the coaching staff as one of the team's hardest workers.
WEAKNESSES: Recovery speed is questionable. Jamar was rarely asked to play press coverage and may lack the size and arm length to fit in this scheme. He plays aggressive and can be fooled by double-moves and because of that, he’ll bite on play action, jumping up and thus allowing the receiver past him. Because of the Conference he played in, Jamar wasn’t challenged very often in 2012 and also hasn't faced top-tier receivers on a week by week basis throughout his career.
COMPARES TO Drayton Florence, Ronde Barber
BOTTOM LINE: Taylor possesses good instincts, a burst to close, reliable open-field tackling ability and a strong work ethic according to Rob Rang of CBSSports.
INJURY
Taylor missed four full games and most of a fifth with a stress fracture in his leg. He returned from the injury to compete against Arizona State in the 2011 Las Vegas Bowl, returning a Brock Osweiler interception 100 yards for a touchdown.
NFLDraft Scout
VIDEO
Boise State CB Jamar Taylor 100 yard interception
Jamar Taylor vs. Michigan State / Washington (2012)
Jamar Taylor vs UNLV 2012
Jamar Taylor would fit very well in a Broncos uniform, not just because he looks good in Orange and Blue. Described with words like dependable, hard worker, instinctive, versatile, team captain, reliable and strong work ethic speak volumes of a young man’s character. Sure, he will need to work some on technique. Most college kids do. The only other thing I see in Jamar, is a small sample of injury history. Perhaps that is why is is destined to be a 2nd round pick. The 7th ranked CB is rated a 2nd rounder? It appears to be a good year to draft one in my opinion.
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