Jawaan

Taylor

Shortly after Taylor’s deal was announced, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Chiefs “are moving on from Orlando Brown”. The Jaguars reportedly wanted to retain Taylor, who has occupied their right tackle position for the last four seasons. A former second-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, Taylor’s contract would have been among the most valuable in the league for a right tackle. However, NFL Network’s James Palmer reports Taylor will play left tackle. The position shift makes Taylor’s contract far more palatable. With right tackle Andrew Wylie also gone in free agency, the Chiefs still have one tackle spot to fill this offseason.

Taylor reportedly is looking for $15 million a season per a February report from Field Yates. The Jaguars already have Cam Robinson at left tackle and spent a second-round pick on backup Walker Little. So the fact that they are trying to keep Taylor is a bit of an eye-opener. It’s possible one of the other two tackles gets moved this offseason if the Jaguars retain Taylor.

Taylor has played every snap for Jacksonville since being drafted in 2019. The 25-year-old had a breakout year under HC Doug Pederson, grading out positively in pass-blocking while allowing five sacks. Taylor wasn’t drafted under Pederson/Trent Baalke but is an offseason priority for Jacksonville. A long-term deal of $15 million per year is expected for Taylor.

Taylor, the incumbent, has been penalized 32 times in three seasons and has been up-and-down as a blocker. Little started three games at left tackle after being picked in the second round in 2021. As a left tackle prospect, Little’s probably a better pass protector than Taylor is at this point.

He only ended up missing four days of training camp. Taylor started all 16 games as a rookie and should make a leap in his second year. Jacksonville also activated TE Charles Jones and rookie DT DaVon Hamilton.

The Jaguars also placed rookie OL Ryan Pope on the COVID-19 list. Taylor was PFF’s No. 51 offensive tackle among 89 qualifiers as a rookie last year but should improve over the next few years. Taylor will have to post multiple negative coronavirus tests to get back into the building.

The Jaguars surrendered the No. 38 and 109 picks for 35, 140 and 235. Taylor (6’5/312) made 35 starts on the Gators’ front five -- 33 at right tackle and two on the left -- and was credited by PFF College with only 10 QB pressures allowed in 2018 while earning the SEC’s No. 2 run-blocking grade. Despite making the vast majority of his college starts on the right side, many NFL evaluators viewed Taylor as a big-league left tackle based on his nimble feet and otherworldly length (35 1/8-inch arms). A pro-ready run-game mauler with elite pass-protection upside, Taylor is arguably the highest-ceiling offensive line prospect in this class.

The Jaguars traded up in Round 2 to grab Taylor, who slid out of the first-round despite some top-10 overall buzz. Taylor (6'5/312) made 35 starts at Florida -- 33 at right tackle and two on the left side -- and was credited by PFF College with only 10 QB pressures allowed in 2018 while earning the SEC’s No. 2 run-blocking grade. Taylor’s footwork and length (35 1/8 inch arms) make him an upside pick.

This isn’t a surprise — Taylor (6'5/328) is one of the highest rated offensive lineman in this year’s class. A three-year starter, Taylor played right tackle at Florida but has the measurables to move to the blindside. Taylor is a first-round lock and could go in the top-five picks.

According to Dr. James Andrews, Taylor is dealing with a “mild distal hamstring strain.” The injury will prevent Taylor from participating in timed drills as well as the broad jump. Despite this setback, Taylor should still come off the board early in the first round.