Miami Defensive Lineman Heading To NFL Combine
The Miami Hurricanes will see one of their best players head to the NFL Combine.
As the NFL season winds down, the time for top college prospects to head to Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium and compete against one another draws closer. With that in mind, Miami has long since been a team with numerous players in the NFL and that number will grow in this year's Draft.
For the Canes, defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III is going to be attending this year's Combine. After three seasons in Coral Gables, the former Miami (Fla.) Palmetto product is one of the more coveted defensive tackles in the NFL Draft.
The 6-foot-3 and 305-pound Taylor is projected as a second round selection by NFL Mock Draft Database. He's coming off a junior season in which he recorded 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one sack.
According to Fansided, here's what the website believes Taylor does best.
"Explosiveness: When Taylor wins in pass rush or run defense it's generally with his explosive first step or a violent rip move. Taylor has snaps where he looks like a man amongst boys, throwing guards and centers aside. Taylor is agile enough to be lined up as a 4 or 5 technique and has been used head-up on the center as well."
Additionally, watching Taylor play, he is a player who sees a considerable number of double teams. That point reflects why he's more valuable than his statistics would otherwise indicate. Taylor frees up other defensive linemen and linebackers to make plays. Coupled with his athleticism and ability to push the pocket as a pass rusher, it's not surprising that he is projected to be taken in the first two rounds.
Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.