clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2013 NFL Draft: Jamar Taylor Prospect Profile

A little info on former Boise State CB Jamar Taylor and how he may or may not fit with the 49ers.

By Tre9er
USA TODAY Sports

A name you might not expect to hear called early in the 2013 NFL Draft may be that of Jamar Taylor. He's often not listed among the top CBs available, such as Dee Milliner, Xavier Rhodes or Desmond Trufant. Still, Taylor is picking up steam as a guy that NFL teams could really like and even consider taking as early as the end of the first round.

Basics
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 192
40-time: 4.39
Vertical Jump: 35"
Broad Jump: 127"
Shuttle: 4.06
Bench Reps: 22

Notable Stats
2012: 51 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 9 PBU, 4 INT, 3 FF, first-team All-Mountain West honors.

Pros:

  • Decent size at just an inch under 6' and a solid 192 lbs.
  • Physical in coverage, re-routes with hands.
  • Fluid hips, smooth turning and running/out of breaks.
  • Makes plays on the ball, even in tight situations.
  • Shows initiative in the run game

Cons:

  • Needs work on technique in press coverage.
  • Bites on fakes, recovery speed questionable.
  • Must work on tackling technique, even though willing.

Doing your homework:

Be sure to watch as many of Taylor's games as possible, including this video (below) vs. Michigan State and Washington (2012)

Why he fits the 49ers:

Taylor is a physical cover corner who's not afraid to mix it up in the run game. He has good speed and can stick with guys down-field. While he might not be the tallest or biggest player, he's not afraid to face off against larger opponents.

Why he might not fit the 49ers:

If the 49ers truly want larger players on the edges, Taylor doesn't fit the Richard Sherman/Brandon Browner mold. He needs work tackling and staying disciplined, so he could struggle as a rookie getting burned by play fakes and double moves if he were needed to see immediate action.

What they're saying:

Taylor is a physical and athletic cornerback looking to be the sixth Boise State defensive back to be drafted by NFL teams over the last eight years. He missed most of the second half of 2011 with a stress fracture in his leg, but returned with a vengeance during his senior year by excelling in man coverage on downfield routes.

Instinctive, dependable cornerback with good overall size and athleticism. Versatile corner with extensive experience playing off-man and zone coverage. Possesses a quick, tight back pedal and has fluid hips to turn and run with receivers.

Breaks quickly on underneath routes, showing the ability to close on the ball to make the interception. Good ball skills, including good leaping ability and timing. Good upper body strength and competitiveness for jump-ball situations.

Conclusion:

Taylor has all the tools to be a great CB at the next level, he just needs some coaching and seasoning. While he's not the tower of a player that the Seattle Seahawks have chosen, he is at least as big as Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers, so it's not a step-back in terms of size. Besides playing for a small school and any uncertainty that may be associated with that, there isn't much NOT to like about his game.

Next Up In San Francisco 49ers News