Positional ranking: #5
Big Board ranking: #41
Overview
Position: OT
College: Florida
Class: Junior
Age: 21
Measurables
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 312 lbs.
Arm length: 35 1/8”
Hand size: 10”
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: DNP
Vertical jump: DNP
Broad jump: DNP
Bench press: 24 reps
3-cone drill: DNP
Short shuttle: DNP
Strengths
Mauling right tackle with heavy hands. Very powerful. Has long arms in a bear-like frame. Can drive defensive linemen off the ball. Excellent on down blocks and double-team blocks. Absorbing reach taking on linebackers at the second level. Knows how to use leverage to wipe out defenders. Does his job sealing as a backside blocker to allow cutback lanes. Good awareness. Quality feet and quick drop step at the snap. Keeps a balanced base in pass protection. Uses length to ward off pass rushers. Could have the versatility/skillset to kick inside to guard. Started all three years in the SEC.
Weaknesses
Probably best suited to stay at right tackle. Doesn’t always seek work. Feet might get too choppy at times. Susceptible to inside move or speed rush if he doesn’t get hit on his strike. Reliance on length can cause lunging misses.
NFL comparison
Andre Smith – We saw a more slimmed down version of Jawaan Taylor at the Combine, but in college, he played closer to Smith’s weight as a powerful right tackle that’s better in the running game than pass protection.
Conclusion
Overall, Jawaan Taylor should be a solid starter on the offensive line, but he might be limited to the right side, and I don’t think he’s a dominant player like Lane Johnson to warrant the top-ten consideration he’s received. I would feel more comfortable drafting Taylor early on Day 2.
Yeah I would think a RT needs to be dominant to be a first round pick.