Grading System

SEAN TAYLOR

Position: S Class: Underclassman School: Miami (FL) Conference: Big East Ht., Wt.: 6'2½, 230 40 Time: 4.51 Grade: 5.03 Selected by Washington Redskins Round 1, pick 5 (5 overall)

BIO: Big East Defensive Player of the Year in ‘03 after totaling 77/10/13. All-conference selection as a sophomore after 53/4/15. POSITIVES: Big, game-changing safety who could be used at a variety of positions. Intelligent, immediately recognizes the action and quick to key the ball carrier. Efficient, plays under control and takes correct angles to the action. Remains focused, and though fierce in run defense, does not get caught out of position on pass plays. Fires up the field, displays a burst of speed but also plays sideline-to-sideline and covers a good amount of area. Hard-hitting and forces the action. Outstanding special teams player that impacts the game on coverage units. NEGATIVES: Better facing the quarterback and slow to locate in man-to-man coverage. Lacks top hands for the interception and, as a result, defends more throws than he actually picks off. ANALYSIS: A freak of nature with rare athletic abilities, Taylor can be a force at either safety position in the NFL. He has the physical skills, tenacity and mental attitude to immediately produce as a rookie and should quickly move into a starting lineup next season. PROJECTION: Early First Round Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images