Miami’s Leonard Taylor has spent the last three seasons living in opposing backfields. A former Five-Star recruit, Taylor signed with the University of Miami. He wasted no time becoming a nightmare for offenses and was excellent his Freshman season. Taylor was poised for a breakout in 2022 and absolutely delivered. In 2022, Taylor logged ten tackles for loss for the Hurricanes.
Miami IDL Leonard Taylor III
Lower body explosion, violent hands, and backfield disruption. Three traits that repeatedly show up with him. pic.twitter.com/gAnHeWAcx0
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) July 25, 2023
In 2023, Taylor had an injury that caused him to miss some time and saw a dip in production. Regardless, his impact remained the same, and routinely opened up plays for other members of Miami’s defensive line. He declared for the 2024 NFL draft and opted to skip Miami’s bowl game. The lack of statistical production in 2023 should not dissuade a team from drafting him early. Taylor will get first-round buzz, but may fall into the early second round.
Position: Interior Defensive Line
Height: 6’3” (Unofficial)
Weight: 307 lbs (Unofficial)
School: Miami
NFL Comparison: Christian Barmore
Projection: Picks 45-75
Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami’s Leonard Taylor is the type of player the NFL wants. There is no bigger disturbance to an NFL passing game than interior pressure. Taylor is the type of player who can create havoc up the middle. His explosiveness and quick-twitch ability to get into the backfield is the type of disruption that NFL defenses are looking for. No one wants to watch quarterbacks step up into a clean pocket and shred secondaries. That is where players like Leonard Taylor step in.
Miami DT Leonard Taylor is already one of my favorite players for the 2024 NFL Draft. Lightning-quick first step, power to move the line of scrimmage, and he can finish. pic.twitter.com/X59gSo5DQM
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) August 10, 2023
The explosion off the line of scrimmage is what truly makes Taylor stand out. He can be the disruptor that will completely alter how a football game goes. Where he falls in this class remains a question. Taylor is virtually a lock to go after Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton. However, Taylor may also see himself going after Texas star defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. Regardless of where he goes, he has the potential to be an incredibly impactful player.
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