Reasons to trust McClay on Taco

[NorthwestDallas40]

Disclaimer that I wanted Takk or TJ... but I think that McClay made the right pick, in retrospect. First, our DB coach Greg Jackson was at Michigan in 2015 when Taco was a sophomore. He saw the kid practice every day against top flight OLs. And he knows the kid's character and work ethic. No doubt McClay mined this info. Second, Greg Matthison was Taco's DL coach at Michigan. Matthison coached Carlos Dunlap at Florida (a close comp) and was D Coordinator with Ravens for T Suggs best years. Again, his input would have been crucial. Third, Michigan changed schemes to a 4-3 this past year, and Taco excelled (despite a high ankle sprain). Fourth, while I like Takk's and TJ's athleticism and speed around the corner better, that is only one element of a pass rush. And i have my doubts if they will ever be large enough and strong enough to play DE in a 4-3 and have a repertoire of pass rush moves. Simply, they are better fits in a 3-4 or as third down players. Fifth, in reviewing Taco's tape, he shows a wicked spin move. He beat Ramczyk from Wisconsin multiple times with it (although Ramczyk shut down his speed rush). Again, Taco may have better potential to string together multiple pass rush moves than smaller OLB types. Sixth, he has height (6'6"), weight (275), long arms (34 1/4") and huge hands (10"). Guys like Charles Harris, TJ, Jordan Willis, Tyus Bowser have at least an inch shorter arms, and 20 lbs lighter. Taco looks and measures the part. At the end of the day, I trust McClay considered all this. And realized that Taco has a good floor and a great upside that Marinelli can get out of him. We should trust McClay and be happy with the pick.

 

[dfense]

Disclaimer that I wanted Takk or TJ... but I think that McClay made the right pick, in retrospect. First, our DB coach Greg Jackson was at Michigan in 2015 when Taco was a sophomore. He saw the kid practice every day against top flight OLs. And he knows the kid's character and work ethic. No doubt McClay mined this info. Second, Greg Matthison was Taco's DL coach at Michigan. Matthison coached Carlos Dunlap at Florida (a close comp) and was D Coordinator with Ravens for T Suggs best years. Again, his input would have been crucial. Third, Michigan changed schemes to a 4-3 this past year, and Taco excelled (despite a high ankle sprain). Fourth, while I like Takk's and TJ's athleticism and speed around the corner better, that is only one element of a pass rush. And i have my doubts if they will ever be large enough and strong enough to play DE in a 4-3 and have a repertoire of pass rush moves. Simply, they are better fits in a 3-4 or as third down players. Fifth, in reviewing Taco's tape, he shows a wicked spin move. He beat Ramczyk from Wisconsin multiple times with it (although Ramczyk shut down his speed rush). Again, Taco may have better potential to string together multiple pass rush moves than smaller OLB types. Sixth, he has height (6'6"), weight (275), long arms (34 1/4") and huge hands (10"). Guys like Charles Harris, TJ, Jordan Willis, Tyus Bowser have at least an inch shorter arms, and 20 lbs lighter. Taco looks and measures the part. At the end of the day, I trust McClay considered all this. And realized that Taco has a good floor and a great upside that Marinelli can get out of him. We should trust McClay and be happy with the pick.

Good stuff.

Plus I can't wait for the announcer to yell "TACO!!" whenever he gets a sack.