NFL.com bio and analysis of DB Alontae Taylor

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Player Bio
Taylor was an All-Tennessee quarterback at Coffee County Central High School. He enrolled in Knoxville a semester early and moved to cornerback. He earned eight starts in 12 games in his first year (40 tackles, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles). Taylor started six of 13 games the following season (33 tackles, one interception, three pass breakups) and then battled a hamstring injury throughout 2020 (29 tackles, two for loss, one interception, four pass breakups in eight games, five starts). He started 12 games in 2021, setting career highs with 60 tackles, two interceptions (one returned for a score), and six pass breakups in 12 starts. Taylor opted out of the team's bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. -- by Chad Reuter


Analysis By Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst

Draft Projection: Round 3

NFL Comparison: Isaac Yiadom

Overview
Long-limbed cornerback with the size and top-end speed for bump-and-run duties on bigger targets. He also has the length and anticipation for teams emphasizing Cover 2/Cover 3. He's confident and feisty but allows separation from off-man coverage due to his high-cut frame and leggy transitions. He does a nice job of reading quarterbacks and making his way to the throw but his burst to close is slightly below average and might offer limited pass-breakup production. Taylor is a dependable backup with eventual starting potential whose special teams talent could push him ahead of similar cornerbacks.

Strengths
Possesses NFL size and length to play outside.
Plays through pain.
His leadership helped rally the team after loss to Florida.
Punch from press is forceful and aggressive.
Captures and crowds outside release against sideline.
Get the most out of his re-routes in Cover 2.
Displayed above-average route anticipation against Ole Miss.
Responsive to passer's eyes and movements from zone.
Adequate recognition of route combos in Cover 3.
Talented gunner on special teams.

Weaknesses
High-cut with leggy change of direction.
Labored hip corrections when juked by press release.
Very average recovery quickness in space.
Plant-and-drive acceleration from backpedal is lacking.
Limited burst to close allows pitch-and-catch from off-man.
Can be delayed in read/reaction to run plays.
Needs to shed blocks and wrap up the runner.
Not in a huge hurry to tackle bigger backs.

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