Carlif Taylor (SCSU)
DT
Scouting Report
http://www.nfl-draft-zone.com/#!carlif-taylor/c248c
Scheme Fit:
He played mainly as a nose tackle in college, but has played everywhere from 0 to 9 technique in the Owls defense. If I was looking as a pro team, I believe he would fit a 1-gapping team best. His ability to drive his heels into the ground, lower his weight and anchor, will help him to deal with double teams, or he could lean down and become an under tackle.
First Step:
Explodes out of his stance with good snap anticipation. Nimble feet with lateral as well as forward burst when needed. Doesn't look to gap shoot, but that only becomes a concern the further he's shaded outside. Lacks a strong knee drive, but that is a coachable trait.
Rare quickness to all sides of the compass for a prospect his size.
Size and Strength:
Possesses the functional strength which his opponents do not. Size and girth helps to occupy space on the defensive line, and his use of leverage to get underneath offensive linemen hardly gives them a chance. Needs to play with more consistent pad level. One play he'll look like a waist bender who leans into offensive linemen, the next he'll play too tall and allow blockers to stand him up.
Anchor / Leg Strength:
Hard to judge, as the players he goes up against lack the functional strength of NFL level offensive linemen. However, he is still able to drive his heels into the ground and anchor when needed, and is easily comfortable in occupying double teams. Would like to see him get lower to drive blockers into the backfield more, but that's a coachable trait, as opposed to a lack of strength or ability.
Pass Rush Ability:
Pass rush moves are unrefined as he was able to win with strength alone in college. Nice swim move for a big guy, but has to be quicker with his hands against pro level blockers. Even has a spin move. Has an extremely strong punch to get rid of blockers. At his best when he tries to win with his legs, as opposed to his hands. Slow in hand fighting, and isn't necessary. Mentioned this earlier, but would like to see him win on bull rushes more. Not in an attempt to make a play, but more to disrupt the QB and force him outside.
Use of Arms and Hands:
Strong, long arms which can control offensive linemen. Ability in the run game to lock his arms out with full extension, and then shed off is the most refined trait of his game tape. However, he can give up his gap when shedding off blocks, so would also like to see him make plays while engaged. Has heavy hands with good timing on his punches.
Tackling isn’t an issue due to his large wingspan to wrap up. His lateral quickness, wingspan, and willingness / ability to dive at runners give him a massive tackle radius.
Other:
Great motor to pursue plays to the backside. Displays functional movement to be able to pursue plays North, South, East, and West.
Grade:
Taylor will probably go undrafted, but could sneak into the 7th round. He's so intriguing because of his athletic ability at his current size. That gives him good versatility across the defensive line. Scouts will have to decide if his traits can translate from small school to the pro game, but his tape shows little reason why that would be unreasonable.
