April 28th, 2011 
Russ Loede 
Posted in 
Now That’s A Big Guy!
Scouting Report from NFL Draft Countdown on Phil Taylor:
Strengths:
• Excellent size and bulk with a big frame
• Very strong, powerful and physical
• Nice balance and stays on his feet
• Stout at the point of attack and can anchor
• Able to take on and occupy multiple blockers
• Does a terrific job of stuffing the run
• Good bull rusher and will push the pocket
• Violent hands and uses them well
• Aggressive and plays with an edge
• Offers some schematic versatility
Weaknesses:
• Weight, conditioning and stamina are problematic
• Not very fast, quick, agile or explosive
• Doesn’t always play with proper leverage
• Not real mobile and lacks great range
• Is awfully limited as a pass rusher
• Questionable instincts and awareness
• Might have some durability issues
• Character concerns after off-the-field trouble
Notes:
Began college career at Penn State, where he redshirted then started five games over the next two years — Arrested on assault charges following a fight at a frat party in 2008 and after initially being suspended was dismissed from the Nittany Lion football team and opted to transfer — Was a two-year starter for the Bears — Named 2nd Team All-Big 12 in 2010 — Was hampered by a sprained knee in ’07 and missed time with a turf toe in ’09 — Showed lots of potential early in career then struggled as a junior before really coming on as a senior and improving draft stock — Possesses intriguing size and profiles as a prototypical nose tackle in a even (4-3) or odd (3-4) front.
Russ’ Take: I don’t understand why you draft a nose tackle to play in your 4-3 defense. He would fit the old Cleveland regime, not the new scheme. Mind-boggling. Why not draft Cam Jordan, who’s still there.
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