From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#6 Patrick Taylor/RB Memphis – 6’1/4 217
The Good
– Well-built frame, broad shoulders with big lower half, unusual size for the position
– Decisive runners, gets square and shoulders downhill
– Has patience and vision, follows his blocks and plays within structure well, doesn’t often guess wrong and gets what’s blocked
– Runs hard, keeps legs churning through contact and routinely falls forward
– Nose for the end zone, finishes at the goal line, reflected in TD numbers
– Shows decent burst and ability to win the edge, long strider who makes up a lot of ground
– Good hands as a receiver, catches the ball cleanly and can be an asset in the short pass/screen game
– Willing pass protector who gets square, shows desire, and has frame to help absorb power rushes against blitzing linebackers
The Bad
– High-cut, stiff player who doesn’t show any special athletic trait
– Has trouble creating beyond what’s blocked, doesn’t make much happen in the 2nd/3rd level
– Lacks home run speed, doesn’t run away from anyone in the open field
– Struggles to make nuanced cuts and change in direction as a runner; tight, straight-line runner
– Failed to have an overly productive career, part of a rotation and rarely had to be “the guy” for any string of games
– Lacks balance and loses footing too often when trying to put his foot in the ground and make cuts
– Didn’t test well at the Combine, average athletic profile (4.