DT Rankings: Leonard Taylor

As we review the DT rankings, players have had the opportunity to raise their stock and move up the rankings. Before we jump into Leonard Taylor, here’s a few reminders about the rankings themselves:

• The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
• Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
• Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
• We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football DT Rankings here.

Miami defensive tackle, Leonard Taylor came on during his true freshman season and made an impact for the defense. He did not play the first three weeks of the season, but became a factor during ACC play. Taylor had 1.5 tackles for loss in the ACC opener against Virginia and 2 tackles for loss the following week against North Carolina. For the season he tallied 21 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 pass breakup. Taylor performed well as a true freshman and will continue to progress and become an excellent defensive tackle.

At 6’3″ 305 lbs, Taylor is a lightning quick defensive tackle. He has excellent feet and plays the game with explosive mobility. Taylor gets a good jump at the snap and beats offensive lineman to the spot, creating leverage for him to get in the backfield. Once he has beaten the lineman, it’s difficult for the ball carrier to escape, as Taylor displays the same quickness in pursuit. Taylor utilizes his athleticism to penetrate and wreak havoc in the offensive backfield.

While freakish athleticism is a big plus, Taylor also has the innate ability to find the football. He is an instinctual player who has a knack for finding the ball and using the right moves to get in position to make the play. Taylor often shoots the right gap and sticks the running back before the play has developed, creating negative plays. He feels the game around him and reacts well to what is happening. Those instincts help him use that athleticism to do damage.

Leonard Taylor is an explosive athlete who is a disruptive defensive tackle. He has the hands and technique to free himself of blockers and knows when to use which moves. Taylor has good instincts and as he gets stronger and more consistent he will become a tougher match-up. Taylor will be one of the best defensive tackles in the country in 2022.

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