New Orleans Saints CB Alontae Taylor hasn't gotten much recognition among national circles this offseason. One significant exception has been from former NFL offensive lineman and current NFL analyst Brian Baldinger.
In an article for NFL.com, Baldinger lists Taylor among the 10 second-year cornerbacks that he expects to have a breakout season. Baldinger said this about the Saints developing star defensive back.
Taylor was thrown into a much bigger role than anticipated in 2022, with Marshon Lattimore missing time due to injury. As a nine-game rookie starter for the Saints, the second-round pick recorded a team-high 11 pass breakups while defending some of the league's top wideouts, including Davante Adams in Taylor's second NFL start. I can see Taylor and Lattimore being a top-tier cornerback tandem on a defense that has good depth at the position.
A surprise second-round choice in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, Taylor was the eighth cornerback drafted. He missed five of the first six games of his rookie year with a leg injury, then was thrust into a prominent role after an injury to star CB Marshon Lattimore in Week 5.
Lattimore would normally take on an opponent’s top wideout, often in one-on-one coverage. With him out and Paulson Adebo slowed by his own injury, Taylor often faced the opposition's best receiver. Almost from the onset, he played standout football.
Taylor appeared in 13 contests, starting nine when Lattimore was sidelined. He'd be an instrumental part of a New Orleans pass defense that ranked second in the league and did not give up a 300-yard passer in its last 11 outings.
Taylor broke up a team-high 11 passes and allowed just 48.5% completion percentage when targeted. He didn't allow a touchdown pass and surrendered only 318 yards on 66 targets.
At 6-feet and 190-Lbs., Taylor is a physical defender who's also a very fluid athlete. He contained several top-end wideouts in 2022, playing at a Pro Bowl-level. He's also been working in the slot during training camp to expand his versatility for the defense.
Lattimore, who is Baldinger's third-ranked cornerback heading into 2023, heads an outstanding trio of corners that includes Taylor and Adebo. Aside from Baldinger, not many national ''pundits'' have recognized this talented trio.
At just 24, Alontae Taylor is one of the future cornerstones of an already outstanding New Orleans defense. According to Baldinger, that future is now.
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