Jacksonville Jaguars too-early 5 round NFL Mock Draft: Tyler Guyton slides to Round 3
By Beau Adams
Round 2, pick 36: Leonard Taylor, DT
. Leonard Taylor. 834. . . player. Jmd36. DT. Leonard Taylor. 36
Leonard Taylor has a great frame and is difficult to keep out of the backfield when he plays with a low center of gravity. He can play the three-technique position in even fronts and quickly switch to a 4-tech in an odd-front team. He is quick off the snap and is proficient at generating interior pressure. He is also physically intimidating at the point of attack against the run and can utilize various pass-rush moves, such as the arm over, club-rip, and hand swipe.
Miami DT Leonard Taylor is already one of my favorite players for the 2024 NFL Draft. Lightning-quick first step, power to move the line of scrimmage, and he can finish. pic.twitter.com/X59gSo5DQM
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) August 10, 2023
Due to a five-star rating in the 2021 recruiting class and 23 tackles for loss in his last high school year, Taylor is a highly regarded prospect ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite having a less successful 2023 season, his impressive physical attributes remain intact.
Taylor is just as explosive as the top defensive in the draft, Jer'Zhan Newton, if not more so, and his agile 305-pound frame is quite remarkable. Through his explosive first step and strength, he can burst through gaps, and his precise and active hands make it easier for him to swim past opponents.
The Jaguars get the big-body run-stopper who can take on blocks inside to help Josh Allen and Travon Walker. Taylor is perfect and can threaten the quarterback effectively as well. And by trading down, the Jags now have a formidable defensive line and an extra third-round pick.