2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft Round 7. Mr. Not-So-Irrelevant chosen.

[NoleinATL]

With the 241st pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the New England Patriots select

Rodrigo Blankenship K Georgia

Does Bill strike goal with third straight kicker? Vinaterri and Gostkowski were great Blankenship has that kind of potential


By Lance Zierlein

NFL Analyst

Overview

Charismatic kicker and fan favorite -- as long as he's making his kicks. His thick, black-rimmed glasses have become his trademark, but so too are booming touchbacks and a big leg to hit 50-yard field goals with plenty of ball flight leftover. Blankenship rarely mishits the football, but does need to make sure he elevates drive kicks consistently. He should be the first kicker off the board.

Strengths

· Made 92.7 percent of kicks under 40 yards

· Career 82.5 percent field goal mark as a former walk-on

· Very rarely mishits his kicks

· Controlled, compact follow through

· Gets good leverage to rip through the ball on kicks of 50-plus

· Rose Bowl record 55-yarder and was 6 of 9 from 50-plus in his career

· Control for surprise, pooch onside kicks

· Spits bars (released rap song inspired by Kirby Smart's "Attack the Day" mantra)

· Good kickoff hangtime

· Consistently mashes touchbacks

Weaknesses

· Missed six kicks in 2019

· Missed would-be game-tying kick in overtime in loss to South Carolina

· Missed chip-shot 30-yard kick against Alabama in 2018 SEC Championship Game

· Drive kicks will come out low at times

· Has had three kicks blocked during career

 

[NoleLizards]

With the 241st pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the New England Patriots select

Rodrigo Blankenship K Georgia

Does Bill strike goal with third straight kicker? Vinaterri and Gostkowski were great Blankenship has that kind of potential


By Lance Zierlein

NFL Analyst

Overview

Charismatic kicker and fan favorite -- as long as he's making his kicks. His thick, black-rimmed glasses have become his trademark, but so too are booming touchbacks and a big leg to hit 50-yard field goals with plenty of ball flight leftover. Blankenship rarely mishits the football, but does need to make sure he elevates drive kicks consistently. He should be the first kicker off the board.

Strengths

· Made 92.7 percent of kicks under 40 yards

· Career 82.5 percent field goal mark as a former walk-on

· Very rarely mishits his kicks

· Controlled, compact follow through

· Gets good leverage to rip through the ball on kicks of 50-plus

· Rose Bowl record 55-yarder and was 6 of 9 from 50-plus in his career

· Control for surprise, pooch onside kicks

· Spits bars (released rap song inspired by Kirby Smart's "Attack the Day" mantra)

· Good kickoff hangtime

· Consistently mashes touchbacks

Weaknesses

· Missed six kicks in 2019

· Missed would-be game-tying kick in overtime in loss to South Carolina

· Missed chip-shot 30-yard kick against Alabama in 2018 SEC Championship Game

· Drive kicks will come out low at times

· Has had three kicks blocked during career

I kid you not that I was about to take him for Cleveland!

 

[NoleLizards]

With the 242nd pick, the Green Bay Packers select Michael Warren II, RB, University of Cincinnati. 5-9, 226.

The Packers add some backfield depth behind Aaron Jones & Jamaal Williams. Warren is an outstanding receiver and could get early 3rd down work if he can improve his blocking.

Per nfl.com:

By Lance Zierlein,NFL Analyst

NFL Comparison-Darrel Williams

Overview
Burly, interior runner who faced his fair share of foggy boxes and early traffic but used footwork and contact power to create yards for himself. Warren's touchdown production is a product of build and running demeanor. While he lacks the burst to consistently gain yards outside the tackle box, he should be able to keep doing his thing between the tackles thanks to vision, footwork, balance and power. He has pass-catching talent and can be activated as a basic route runner, but isn't trustworthy enough in protection to secure third-down duties. He has a shot as an early down backup with short-yardage ability who can grab a catch here and there.
Strengths

• Creates yards after contact with size and force
• Has recorded 14 games with 100-plus yards and scored 36 total touchdowns since 2018
• Makes big-man runs on goal-line and chain-moving downs
• Treats interior tacklers like bumper cars
• GPS to find alternate routes when traffic is dense
• Hits quick gather-and-go steps for short-space change of direction
• Above average body control weaving between tackles
• Excellent ball security in 2019
• Asked to run routes out of backfield
• Has soft hands and ability to bring in poor throws

Weaknesses

• May need to slim down to increase quickness
• 500-plus physical carries over last two seasons
• Not enough burst to get away from congestion cleanly
• Limited value when runs are spilled wide
• Needs to alter speed and tempo from time to time
• Takes on collision after collision due to running style
• Nimble feet but overall agility is just OK
• Will get his quarterback hit in pass pro
• Disappointing recognition and technique to find and square blitz

@NoleinATL Your selection, but it's just about time for dinner...And stop stealing my damned picks!

 

[NoleinATL]

@NoleinATL Your selection, but it's just about time for dinner...And stop stealing my damned picks!

ha--ok, I will make this one and we can pick up tomorrow , we are almost done..

 

[NoleinATL]

With the 241st pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the New England Patriots select


Tommy Kraemer, G/OT, Notre Dame

Titans can always use more depth on the line and Kraemer provides depth at guard and tackle


ANALYST'S REPORTS
Solak
PROS: Huge, wide, big, large. Really tough to work around in pass protection given the sheer breadth and length he brings to the interior. Also present an issue on combo/scoop blocks as he wins on half-man relationships and walls off the second level nicely when working off of doubles. Has a headhunter's mentality when he's uncovered and regularly broadsides unsuspecting rushers as a help blocker; will also look to flatten when he's steamrolling into the second level. Has some recovery flexibility when working to re-anchor against bull-rushes and doesn't have much panic in his game when facing power.

CONS: Big-time plodder and waistbender who may be lacking in NFL athleticism. Regularly gives up half-man relationships off the line of scrimmage given lack off of explosiveness getting out of his stance and poor lateral agility to get his hips into gaps and stun rushers off their first step. Grip strength is hit or miss and accordingly he can melt off of initial strikes, forcing himself into a recovery phase that he cannot handle. Must keep things in front of him, but still struggles with bull rushes at times because he leans too far over his toes and is unable to recruit the posterior chain when absorbing power. Does not show significant hand usage to combat smart rushers and fails to pass protect with either balance or patience.

 

[NoleLizards]

With the 244th pick, the Cleveland Browns select Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern University. 5-10, 185.

The Browns wanted Rodrigo Blankenship, but he was snatched off the board three picks earlier. It's worth spending a 7th-rounder to bring in some quality competition for the shaky Austin Seifert (5 missed PAT as a rookie a year ago).

Per nfl.com:

By Lance Zierlein,NFL Analyst

Overview
Bass does a nice job of creating a repeatable process and has a history of accuracy on intermediate kicks when conditions aren't extreme. He doesn't have much experience beyond 50 yards, but showed off plenty of leg at the Senior Bowl and pretty good deep accuracy to go with it. His ability to blast kickoffs for touchbacks is a plus in his favor. If he can prove to teams that his lack of sample size from deep has no bearing on his ability to make those kicks, he could hear his name called on Day 3.
Strengths

• Hit outstanding 93 percent of kicks from 30 to 50 yards last season
• Consistent approach tempo
• Can elevate end over end kicks for better intermediate accuracy
• Potential kickoff specialist who handled those duties all four years
• Regularly boomed kickoffs to back of the end zone
• Allowed just nine returns all season

Weaknesses

• On the smaller size
• Had some issues kicking in inclement weather
• Doesn't explode hips through the football
• Sky-ball trajectory might limit his range from 50-plus
• Career FG percentage (77.4) fell under his expected FG percentage of 80.3

 

[NoleinATL]

With the 245th pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the San Francisco 49ers select


Kohl Levao, OG/C Hawaii

Got to protect the pretty boy and Levao provides depth at multiple positions

The GameHaus write up

Levao spent time at the City College of San Francisco before going to Hawai’i for the last two seasons. He was a starter immediately for the Warriors. Over his two seasons he has fit right into the Hawai’i air raid offense.

At 6-foot-6 and 340 pounds, Levao has the size, strength and power to be successful in the NFL. Levao is a candidate to be selected in the later rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.

WalterFootball

Height: 6-4. Weight: 340.
Projected 40 Time: 5.20.

 

[NoleLizards]

With the 246th pick, the Miami Dolphins select Brandon Jones, S, Texas. 6-0, 205.

Miami adds another piece to its defensive backfield.

Per The Draft Network (Marino):

PROS: Finds a lot of success playing forward and triggering downhill. Love how he flies down near the line of scrimmage and battles through contact to get involved. High urgency player in pursuit and his motor is always cranked up. Has some really impressive finishes in space where he tackles outside of his frame and works off contact. Plays within himself and his angles are correctly calculated. Showcases adequate range to stay leveraged over routes. Has experience filling multiple roles at Texas (deep, low, slot, zone/man). Should be a plus special teamer.

CONS: Better not have him in man coverage where things can get ugly. Has the speed and enough flexibility but his mirroring/anticipation skills are poor. Ball skills and production are mostly missing. Doesn’t have a great feel for staying in phase. A touch undersized for the physical style of play that he excelled at in college. Guilty of slow playing and he isn’t the quickest to respond. Misses his share of tackles.

BEST TRAIT - Physicality

WORST TRAIT - Coverage

RED FLAGS - None

Texas safety Brandon Jones was a versatile defender at Texas but he doesn’t project as such in the NFL. His best moments come when he can keep the action in front of him and drive forward. He’s physical, urgent and has impressive moments playing off contact. With that said, he lacks the anticipation skills at this point to function in coverage at the NFL level despite having the necessary physical traits. He misses the mark in man and deep coverage. If he can develop better awareness and processing skills in coverage then he is an NFL starter but as it stands he’s likely a subpackage defender with special teams upside.

 

[NoleLizards]

@NoleinATL If you're not too busy huntin' Easter eggs, it's your pick.

 

[NoleinATL]

@NoleinATL If you're not too busy huntin' Easter eggs, it's your pick.

already found them all so I am ready

 

[NoleLizards]

already found them all so I am ready

Question is can you find some more good sleepers down the stretch here....

 

[NoleinATL]

With the 247th pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the NY Giants select
Tyler Clark DT Geogia

Fansided--write up
Defensive lineman Tyler Clark landed in Athens as a member of Kirby Smart‘s inaugural recruiting class in 2016. At the time, he was seen as a four-star recruit, and he was seen by 247sports.com as the 27th best defensive tackle in the nation.

We can all probably agree, at this point in the evaluation, that his addition to the program was a wise decision by Georgia’s recruiting department and their coaches.

Clark earned playing time almost immediately and provided consistent production for the Dawgs. In 47 career games, this six-foot-four, 300-pound prospect tallied 119 total tackles and 6.5 sacks. That includes 51 total tackles and another 19.5 stops that resulted in a loss of yardage and 2.5 sacks in 2019. That tied a career-high that he set in 2017 as a sophomore.

He knows how to use his height. When he isn’t collapsing the pocket, he’s getting his hands up to affect passing lanes. It didn’t always leas to stats but he does have three deflected passes in his career.

 

[NoleinATL]

Question is can you find some more good sleepers down the stretch here....

definitely harder to find write ups on these round 7 guys

 

[NoleLizards]

With the 248th pick, the Houston Texans select Scott Franz, OT, Kansas State University. 6-5, 303.

Deshaun Watson would definitely agree with me that there's no limit to how much work needs to be done to improve Houston's blocking. (If we did UFDA's after the draft, I'd bring more linemen in then, too.)

Per The Draft Network:

• 
  PROS: Experienced three-year starter for the Wildcats. Tons of strength in his upper body gives him power in his initial punches. Will knock defensive lineman off-balance with the violence he displays. Defenders will struggle to keep their shoulders square to the line of scrimmage because of Frantz's heavy hands. Physicality is a weapon in run blocking and protection. Awareness to find work when there is no outside rush, and will bring heat with it. Rolls his hips effortlessly which allows him to anchor while he gains leverage. Shown the ability to stop the charge of defensive lineman and then finish them.
  
  Has strong and heavy feet that can allow him to move his hips around into the hole after using his upper body strength to control defensive lineman. Effortlessly able to climb to the second level on combination blocks, and is tough for linebackers to work through. Distributed strength gives him versatility, as he can thrive as a run blocker or pass protector.
  
  CONS: Can occasionally have his blocks shed too easily when his initial punches don’t land with power. Accuracy can come and go as he looks to shoot his hands with force on every rep. Susceptible to counters and quick hands by defensive lineman, as well as length.
  
  Can have poor hat placement when attempting to reach block or as a puller. Doesn't always play with consistent leverage in his pass sets, which can result him giving initial ground and collapsing the pocket as defenders close in on him. While his strength is capable by NFL standards, he will likely need added weight to help his anchor against power rushers.

@NoleinATL You're up.

 

[NoleinATL]

With the 249th pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Minnesota Vikings select

Darnell Mooney WR Tulane

Quick guy who has good hands-will have to learn special teams quick to make roster


By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Limber and explosive, he has the makings of a mismatch slot with the ability to stretch and attack speed-deficient coverages. It's easy to criticize Mooney for frequency of drops during his time at Tulane, but he took short throws and turned them into touchdowns of 86, 79 and 55 yards in 2018. He's sudden underneath and should fit right in as a slot, but he won't be able to outrun NFL coverage and needs to tighten up the routes. He definitely has a puncher's shot at finding an NFL home, but the slender frame and inability to help on special teams are big challenges to overcome.
Strengths

• Capable of lining up inside or outside
• Uses sudden stem and release to beat press
• Instant cushion muncher against off-man
• Will turn a short slant into a long touchdown
• Suddenness to separate out of breaks underneath
• Explosive speed with ability to work all three levels
• Above average locating and tracking deep throws
• Instinctive positioning and body adjustments help him bring it in
• Trampoline leaper to get up and over for high-point
• Almost every touchdown in 2019 was contested

Weaknesses

• Built like a stick with thin frame and limbs
• Size brings natural concerns over durability
• Not enough attention to detail in his routes
• In a hurry to get from Point A to Point B
• Had troubling dealing with physical route-matchers
• Disappointing drops on shorter throws
• Struggled making adjustments to throws outside his frame
• Has almost no special teams experience in college

 

[NoleLizards]

With the 250th pick, the Houston Texans select LeVante Bellamy, RB, Western Michigan University.

NOTE: Taking RB here since the earlier pick to get Edwards-Helaire was traded to the Rams.

Houston adds some 4.5-40 speed to a mediocre backfield.

Per nfl.com:

When Bellamy has been healthy, Broncos opponents have had a hard time stopping him. The three-star recruit from Indianapolis played in 13 games as a freshman, covering 493 yards and scoring twice on 77 carries (6.4 per) while catching four passes for 72 yards (18.0 per) and returning a few kickoffs (4-85-21.3). However, Bellamy could not finish the 2016 (20-133-6.7, one TD rushing in three games) or 2017 (49-394-8.0, three TDs rushing; 7-54-7.7 receiving in six games, four starts) seasons due to injuries. He returned to health for the 2018 campaign, starting 12 of 13 games played and landing first-team All-MAC honors with 1,228 yards and six scores on 205 carries (6.0 per) despite sharing duties with Jamauri Bogan. Bellamy also had 30 receptions for 185 yards (6.2 per) and a score and returned kickoffs (14-255-18.2) in '18. He followed up that performance with an even better one, winning the MAC Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year honors with 1,472 yards on 266 carries (5.5 per) and tied for the FBS lead with 23 rushing touchdowns. Since Bellamy was the bellcow back in 2019, he did not return kicks and his production as a receiver was limited (15-55-3.7).

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Taquan Mizzell
Overview
Undersized runner with productive profile and extensive experience in stretch and inside zone from offset shotgun positioning. Bellamy handles the inside/outside nature of the Broncos' rushing attack, but he's more comfortable and effective operating in space as an elusive slasher. He has great top-end speed that could really benefit an offense if he operates with better decisiveness and early, one-cut burst. Bellamy should compete for work as a RB3 with change-of-pace speed, but he needs to prove he can improve as a pass-catching option at the next level.
Strengths

• Touchdown monster with 23 scores in 2019
• Operates with low center of gravity and wide base
• Defaults to shorter strides when control and balance are needed
• Very experienced processing fronts on stretch plays
• Rapid rush to outflank linebackers and turn the corner
• Top-end speed has staying power to finish the job
• Smartly changes angles away from third-level tacklers
• Wide base and slippery lateral slides to elude defenders
• Great job of eliminating fumble troubles from 2018

Weaknesses

• Limited size, limited draft stock
• Not built for consistent inside running
• Running style more segmented than flowing
• Cuts from stretch plays are a bit gathered and rounded
• Lightweight as a run finisher into contact
• Desire to find the next cut hinders decisiveness to burst
• Quick to seek out a side-door exit if clear point of entry isn't available
• Doesn't feel or fully trust blocking scheme
• Hands are slightly below average as leak-out pass catcher

Sources Tell Us

"I wasn't a fan coming into (2019) but he won me over a little bit and I started to look for ways he could fit us." -- Scouting director for NFC team

Your pick @NoleinATL.

 

[NoleinATL]

With the 251st pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Miami Dolphins select

Justin Herron G Wake Forest

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Herron is flexible and athletic with the foot quickness to compete in a camp as a zone-blocking guard. However, he's often in a state of flux and having to fight for survival due to suspect hand usage and body control. He may not have enough play strength to withstand NFL defensive tackles in one-on-one situations, but he does have intriguing athletic traits and may be looked at as a developmental prospect.
Strengths

• Athletic bloodlines with father/uncles who were college hoopers
• Plays with loose hips and plus agility
• Sweet feet to jump rushers quickly or mirror with patience
• Very little hesitation to transition and slide back inside for counters
• Might have athleticism to do more than is asked of him
• Gives ground to get ground on tough backside run angles
• Gets to second-level block with proper pad level
• Adequate reactive movement for adjustments in space or recoveries

Weaknesses

• Accuracy and placement of his hands is problematic
• Fails to consistently land inside hands and strike point runs high
• Opponents get into his frame too easily
• Suspect core strength to stay connected to in-line blocks
• Lacks redirect power to rock edge pressures off their path
• Below-average body control forced him into scramble mode frequently
• Benefited from plenty of backside squeeze to wall-off block
• Needs to improve overall play strength

 

[NoleLizards]

With the 252nd pick, the Denver Broncos select Eric Ksiezarczyk, OL, University of Buffalo. 6-6, 310.

The Broncos add some beefy depth to their offensive front with this all-MAC awardee.

Per ubbulls.com:

Hoof Prints: All-MAC offensive lineman who has started very game of the last two seasons... major is communication.

Senior (2019): Started all 13 games at left tackle… named All-MAC First Team… part of a unit that was named honorable mention for the Joe Moore Award as one of the top 15 offensive line units in the nation… helped block for an offense that has rushed for a school-record 3,256 yards and allowed a program-low eight sacks.

Junior (2018): Started all 14 games at left tackle… named All-MAC Second Team… helped pave the way for a rushing attack that has rushed for 2,648 yards and 36 touchdowns on the season – both school records… part of an offensive line that has allowed a program-low 15 sacks.

Sophomore (2017): Started all 12 games at left tackle… helped block for an offense that piled up 5,183 yards of total offense on the season.

Redshirt-Freshman (2016): Appeared in 11 games, primarily in special teams formations.

Freshman (2015): Redshirted in his first season at Buffalo.

High School: A three-year starter for head coach Jim Maurino at West Seneca East High School… team captain on a squad that went 24-5 in his three seasons as a starter… named to All-Western New York team… Class A South Lineman of the Year… Class A All-State First Team selection… was a finalist for the Trench Trophy – given to the Western New York Lineman of the Year… also played basketball for the Trojans.

 

[NoleLizards]

@NoleinATL You're on the clock.

You have the Mr. Irrelevant pick later...which means you have to pay for his Disney trip.

 

[NoleinATL]

With the 253rd pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Minnesota Vikings select

Saahdiq Charles OT LSU

Minnesota takes best player available in a guy thta has big time upside at the next level--surprised he fell this far

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Charles is a plus-athlete with good bend and agility but the lack of core strength could linger as a concern early in his career. He needs to play with better snap quickness and body control to help him control both the first and second phases of run blocks. He's not a waist-bender, but he does play too far forward in both run and pass blocking and defenders took advantage of that. Charles has a corral mentality in his pass sets even though he shows decent sustain and mirror once he gets locked in. His ability to recover is a big saving grace in his favor right now. He lacks desired tackle size and is still a work in progress, but he has enough traits to warrant consideration as a swing tackle with guard potential.
Strengths

• Quick feet to keep rushers in front of him
• Smooth redirect steps to mirror inside moves
• Good awareness of lurking rush trouble
• Plays with impressive reactive agility and grit to recover
• Loose ankles and hips improved his anchor drop
• Able to make sudden reactive movements to pick up blitz
• Maintains base width in lateral slides to engage backside defenders
• Accelerates feet through the block for improved sustain
• Just four-year background on offensive line and is still getting better
• May offer guard/tackle roster flexibility

Weaknesses

• Frame will require additional weight work and overall mass
• Below-average core strength to keep blocks centered
• Plays over toes, allowing push-pull specialists to yank him off-balance
• Inconsistent footwork in double teams
• Lunge-filled pass punch
• Wide pass slides create overset concerns
• Needs to close distance for better block security in punch-and-mirror
• Outside hands aren't stiff and sturdy enough yet
• Doesn't reset hands to recapture leverage and positioning often enough

 

[NoleinATL]

you are on the clock @NoleLizards

 

[NoleinATL]

@NoleinATL You're on the clock.

You have the Mr. Irrelevant pick later...which means you have to pay for his Disney trip.

Disney and a nice steak when the virus passes--I would write that check

 

[NoleLizards]

With the 254th pick, the Denver Broncos select Freddie Swain, WR, North Marion High School. 6-0, 197.

I waited as long as I could in the hopes that Swaim would get taken before I could do it a la Perine earlier. Denver still needs receiving help, and he's the top wideout left on the board.

Per nfl.com:

By Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst

Onerview Intriguing height-weight-speed slot prospect with potential to challenge the field on all three levels. Swain is a freestyle route runner with a lack of attention to detail and an addiction to a skip-stutter that is both predictable and inefficient. He needs to play faster underneath and with more physicality to improve his contested catch percentage. He has some suddenness that is waiting to be unlocked with more focused route-running. When his punt-return talent is added to the mix, there are enough checkmarks to believe Swain has a shot to be a Day 3 selection and a player who can win a roster spot at some point.
Strengths

• Good combination of size and speed at slot
• Early burst creates advantage for receiver screens
• Quick stop-and-open to snap off drive routes
• Reliable hands over last two seasons
• Quick pluck-and-tuck technique after catch
• Drops, cradles and rescues underthrown passes
• Shows ability to access additional speed when needed
• Slick with his footwork
• Controlled gather-and-cut to elude tacklers in open field
• Quality punt-return option

Weaknesses

• Body catching could turn off some teams
• Needs to show better fight inside the route against physical coverage
• Route-running is more free-style than focused
• Uses same, predictable hop-step into breaks
• Salesmanship to stem coverage off-balance is missing
• Too much drift and coast out of his breaks
• Allows easier intrusion into passing lane for coverage
• Poor job of boxing out defender and finishing contested catches

 

[NoleLizards]

@NoleinATL Thanks for participating...You've done an incredible job, especially in these latter stages. Make this last pick count!

 

[NoleinATL]

With the 255th pick in the PGSF NFL Mock Draft the NY Giants select

Levonta Taylor CB Florida State University

Finishing the draft off with a Seminole- It was either Jackson or Taylor and think Taylor has a shot of making team if his head is right and he embraces the slot corner role

Levonta Taylor 2020 NFL Draft Profile
By: Sravan Gannavarapu | April 7, 2020
Levonta Taylor Overview
Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 190 pounds
School: Florida State
Levonta Taylor 2020 NFL Draft Profile

Florida State cornerback Levonta Taylor has had to live up to a list of high expectations after being ranked as the top cornerback recruit in the country. The Virginia Beach native was once a star cornerback for Ocean Lakes High School. Taylor recorded 51 tackles in his junior year. Taylor helped lead the Dolphins to their first state title in school history, defeating Justin Skule and Centreville 30-24 in overtime.

In his senior year, Taylor received multiple accolades from various areas. He was a five-star player and earned the #5 ranking on the ESPN 300. He was also the #1 cornerback prospect and the best player from Virginia. Taylor recorded 40 tackles in his senior year. At the end of the season, Taylor would participate in the Under-Armour All-American game. Taylor would sign with Florida State following the season over other high profile schools.

College
In his first season of action, Taylor appeared in 12 games and recorded 16 tackles and one pass breakup. He had a season-best four tackles at NC State in Florida State’s 24-20, come-from-behind victory. Taylor had three tackles in the win over No. 6 Michigan at the Orange Bowl.

As a sophomore, Taylor began to established himself as one of the best cover corners in the ACC. He started all 13 games at cornerback, totaling 18 tackles and two interceptions. Both of his interceptions came against in-state rival Florida, the second was returned for a touchdown.

In his junior year, Taylor suffered a knee injury that kept him out for the first eight games of the season. He went on to record 19 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble. Taylor made three solo tackles in 28-24 victory at Louisville. He registered one tackle and one pass breakup at No. 17 Miami.

During his final year of college football, he appeared in 11 games with five starts and recorded 37 tackles, with 1.0 sack, one interception, three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries. He recorded a career-high seven tackles and his first collegiate sack in a 35-24 victory vs. Louisville. Taylor made three tackles and one interception at No. 25 Virginia. In his final collegiate game, he made two solo tackles in Sun Bowl vs. Arizona State.

Taylor finished his college career tied for fourth on FSU’s all-time career list with two interception return touchdowns. He recorded 65 tackles and four interceptions, two of which went for touchdowns. He also had 10 pass deflections.

Strengths

• Ideal size for a nickel cornerback;
• Can run from sideline to sideline;
• Good ball instinct;
• Good footwork;
• Very agile;
• High acceleration off the ball.

Weaknesses

• Injury setback with knee;
• Didn’t play much outside unlike in HS;
• Inconsistency with hands;
• Lack of playing time as a starter;
• Didn’t always play the best receiver;
• Overshadowed by other defensive stars.

Pro Comparison: Bryce Callahan
Best Team Fits: Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers
Projection: 6th or 7th round pick
Bottom Line on Levonta Taylor
Taylor is a classic case of how injuries derailed a promising career. He has the size and length to play in the NFL and good awareness for the football. His speed from sideline to sideline will make him a valuable contributor to any roster and he’s not afraid to get physical. His agility after suffering a knee injury doesn’t look to be diminished and he will benefit most from a team that greatly values their secondary. Taylor also has a good ability to come off the line on a blitz and force the quarterback to throw wild passes. Coming from a school in Florida State that is known to produce productive defensive backs, the team who ends up taking Taylor will benefit most from his work ethic.

Taylor’s physical build, however, will limit him to a slot role in the NFL. You won’t find him in goal-line situations and run support. He will mostly play in nickel and dime packages as he doesn’t have the physical build to play well outside as he did before he suffered the injury. While he possesses top-end speed, his strength will sometimes come into question. His greatest value will be his leadership as he will go full speed till the end of the game.

 

[NoleinATL]

@NoleLizards great job in the draft and thanks for doing it.. This has been a great way to pass some time, fun and of course I know a lot more about players in the draft

 

[NoleLizards]

@NoleLizards great job in the draft and thanks for doing it.. This has been a great way to pass some time, fun and of course I know a lot more about players in the draft

Add Taylor to the list of elite talents in recent years that were what could have beens for lack of better coaching. Both Taylor and Jackson should be better pros.

 

[NoleinATL]

@miami seminole thank you for letting us finish the draft on the board -It was an excellent way to pass time.

Very much appreciated

 

[NoleLizards]

@miami seminole thank you for letting us finish the draft on the board -It was an excellent way to pass time.

Very much appreciated

Yes...much!

 

[NoleLizards]

@NoleinATL I think I have a non-Covid illness. I now find myself putting together scenarios for high-priority free agents for various teams.

 

[NoleinATL]

What did you think of that trade @NoleLizards dont think it changes draft much unless they tirn around and trade Brate or OJ

 

[NoleLizards]

What did you think of that trade @NoleLizards dont think it changes draft much unless they tirn around and trade Brate or OJ

Agreed.

I think Belichick's gone soft. Figured he'd demand Howard in the trade.

 

[NoleinATL]

Liz, for realism I think they should have Goodell's family boo him when he stood up to make a pick announcement

 

[NoleLizards]

@NoleinATL Because I'm a true draft geek, I follow even the later rounds pick by pick. The 5th round is winding down, and I'm now getting the feeling I get every year around this point that some teams are purposely drafting non-viable prospects at this point just to get bodies in for conducting training camp.

 

[NoleinATL]

Looking at the results we did pretty good, few misses, but overall a solid B+ I think

What do you think of Fromm to Buffalo?

Or Hurts to Philly?

 

[NoleLizards]

Looking at the results we did pretty good, few misses, but overall a solid B+ I think

What do you think of Fromm to Buffalo?

Or Hurts to Philly?

Buffalo could use a better backup, so good pick on day 3.

Didn't understand Philly using their 2nd pick on Hurts. Thought about it and now it makes more sense: 1) Wentz is injury prone and 2) Pederson's likely to put in a Taysom Hill-type package for Jalen in the meantime.

What I can't understand is why neither New England nor Tampa picked a QB.

 

[NoleinATL]

Buffalo could use a better backup, so good pick on day 3.

Didn't understand Philly using their 2nd pick on Hurts. Thought about it and now it makes more sense: 1) Wentz is injury prone and 2) Pederson's likely to put in a Taysom Hill-type package for Jalen in the meantime.

What I can't understand is why neither New England nor Tampa picked a QB.

No idea about Tampa
but as far as the Pats

come on Bill make it happen

 

[NoleLizards]

Also, I'm following UDFA signings. Two things stick out to me so far: I had Miami drafting Benito Jones in the 6th...They didn't, but he has been signed by them as a FA.

Blankenship's signed with the Colts.

 

[NoleinATL]

Anything on Moss, that was a big miss for me, I thought someone would spend a pick on him

 

[NoleinATL]

Never mind, just so this on the twitter