Redskins Senior Bowl Draft Prospect: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 25, 2011 4:00 PM EST in Redskins 2011 Draft

The lack of quality players at NT has killed the Redskins in defending both the pass and run.

Projected round: 2nd

The Redskins 3-4 defense started to take some shape the last 4 games of the season, which was evident with the rushing defense jumping six spots to finish 26th in Yards Against per carry (4.6). Anthony Bryant was certainly a help there. So that leads to the question - Who will be the Redskins Nose Tackle next season if the Redskins don't draft one? There are several free agents out there, but in terms of our current roster, Anthony Bryant still has question marks if he can make it through an entire season (since this was his first NFL action after a 4-year hiatus). Vonnie Holliday played admirably this season, but he will be 36 this December. Phillip Daniels saw some action at NT and is a work horse, but he will be 38 in March.

The NT arguably is the most important position in the 3-4. If a NT can't get at least double teams blocks, like Ma'ake Kemoeatu could not, then the LBs have a much more difficult time getting through their gaps cleanly. A NT that can push the line back also does wonders for dropping a QB's completion percentage. So, how about Phil Taylor?

Brian Galliford, who's covers the mock drafts for SB Nation, had this to say on Taylor's first day at the Senior Bowl:

Name	Pos.	College	Ht.	Wt.	Arm	Hand
Phil Taylor	NT	Baylor	6’4"	337	33.8	10.8

Taylor reportedly carried his 337 pounds very well at the weigh-in, looking to be in great shape, and then went out and had a good practice. Scouts noted his ability to clog up running lanes, as the South offense really struggled to run the football on the day, and he also displayed some ability as a pass rusher, with sophisticated moves for a big guy.

Taylor is the heaviest player at the Senior Bowl. The guy can hold a gap and showed this season that he has no problem fending off blockers. He also plays with a mean streak. I can't wait for this game on Saturday.

Note: WalterFootball.com has Taylor ranked as the 4th best NT in the draft with Ole Miss, Jerrell Powe being #1.

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Comments

Man that quote has me drooling

by Parks Smith on Jan 25, 2011 4:05 PM EST reply actions

Sign me up

If he keeps impressing like this all offseason though, he may not last until our 2nd round pick.

by CarverM on Jan 25, 2011 4:12 PM EST reply actions

You've given me

no reason as to why we shouldn’t have him. Let’s make him a ’Skin!

SpottieOttieDopaliscious

by Rekka on Jan 25, 2011 4:15 PM EST reply actions

wait wait wait

let me hold off until we saw the profiles for some of these Guards and Centers

SpottieOttieDopaliscious

by Rekka on Jan 25, 2011 4:16 PM EST up reply actions

Too late you made your choice.

by Parks Smith on Jan 25, 2011 4:38 PM EST up reply actions

I dig it.

"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins

by smutsboy1 on Jan 25, 2011 4:40 PM EST reply actions

Matt Mosley's head will explode

if the Redskin’s draft a player from Baylor.

by CarverM on Jan 25, 2011 4:46 PM EST reply actions

+Win

I’d love for us to draft him, he’d probably be on his nuts while also saying that Orakpo is a product of Phil Taylor.

Dear Passionate fan, I know you are passionate, but please reply with a logical answer or I will ignore you.

by TerpsAllTheWay on Jan 25, 2011 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

Phil Taylor is projected as a 2nd round pick by CBS Sports and Scouts Inc gives him a grade of 83, so he is rated at about the

same by both sources. Jarvis Jenkins is also on the South’s roster (DT, Clemson, 6-4, 315, 2nd or 3rd, 82 Scouts Inc, 40 yd time: 4.98) looks like the type for a 3-4 DE. An eye should be kept on Jenkins.

by Jefferson1935 on Jan 25, 2011 4:54 PM EST reply actions

Phil Taylor

Is a real player. If he is around for our 2nd rounder, he is 100% worth it. A lot to like about this guy and he’ll be an instant playmaker for us. The upgrade he’d give the DL is huge.

Just saying to, Kenrick Ellis would be a good later round prospect if we can’t snag Phil Taylor, but Taylor would be a huge grab.

by BigOLinemen on Jan 25, 2011 5:47 PM EST reply actions

Taylor

Big Phil was unblockable in one-on-ones today in practice. He was abusing the C’s and G’s including O’Dowd, Love, Kirkpatrick and anyone else he faced. His feet are VERY quick. His bull rush reminds me of Vince Wolfolk. He was eating people alive.

If his play continues, he could work his way into the 1st round.

Are you not entertained?

by Tiller56 on Jan 25, 2011 6:48 PM EST reply actions

These are the quiet picks that can set a team up 4 the long haul. Time to earn that paycheck Allen

Pride is better than wins in Washington. But bring us wins and we will immortalize you - Ask Mark Rypien

by TheUberest on Jan 26, 2011 2:10 AM EST reply actions

Wisniewski/Taylor are my favorite guys for our 2nd rounder. Any chance we can get both (trade down 10 spots in 1st, ship Cooley/Mcnabb/Moss out) I’d do it.

That website also updated its rankings and now has Taylor 1, Powe 2.

by Mr. E on Jan 26, 2011 7:10 AM EST reply actions

trade down the #1 and pick this guy up

by aFan4Life on Jan 26, 2011 8:32 AM EST reply actions

if he is still around take him he would be the perfect replacement for fat albert .

lohaus #54

by lohaus#54 on Jan 26, 2011 7:47 PM EST reply actions

He'll be a late 1st rounder after the Senior Bowl!

He seems to be dominating the top O-linemen (Solder, Carimi, Constanzo, etc.). #10 is too early, so we’ll only get him if we trade back to the 20s. I hope we do.

by 1x1an on Jan 26, 2011 10:21 PM EST reply actions