You can never have too many talented pass rushers in today’s NFL, and this year’s draft class features a deep class of promising talents.
Tennessee’s Darrell Taylor is among the most battle-tested prospects in this year’s EDGE class, and he recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, his pass-rushing strategy, and what kind of impact he’ll make at the next level.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
DT: I had a great experience out there. It gave me a chance to meet with some NFL teams, I actually had nine formal interviews. It was a great experience. I got to be around some of the best talent in all of college football. It was definitely a fun experience.
JM: A stress fracture in your left leg, which you underwent surgery for, unfortunately kept you from competing at the combine. What’s the road to recovery looking like right now?
DT: The road to recovery is looking really good. I’ve been attacking the rehab process. I’m making sure that I’m treating my body well and that everything is happening on schedule. I’m just trying to get back to playing the game the right way.
JM: Did you say that you had nine formal interviews at the combine? Which teams did you meet with?
DT: I had formal meetings with the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers, just to name a few. Those are the ones that come to mind right now. I enjoyed meeting and chatting with the coaches. Those are some great coaching staffs right there.
JM: Do you have any upcoming private visits or workouts? Or is the injury delaying that process for you right now?
DT: I just went down to Nashville to meet with the Titans. It was a great visit. I’m excited about it. That was literally yesterday (March 5th). I met with everybody on their staff. That was pretty cool. I enjoyed being back in Nashville. I’m not working out for anybody right now though. I’m just focused on my recovery but I had a great meeting with the Titans.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
DT: I wasn’t really asked any strange questions, to be honest with you. They were just interested in my background and my childhood. They wanted to discuss where I grew up, and what my experiences were like at The University of Tennessee. They wanted to know how I got into football in the first place. I didn’t get anything strange. It was all pretty straight forward.
JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal?
DT: My favorite move is the long-arm. I have a bunch of counters that I like to incorporate into my game as well. I’m just trying to play the game at a high level and remain consistent. I’m trying to prove to teams that I can be that consistent pass rusher that they’re looking for. I like to use my speed as well. I’m a big guy but I also have that speed element to my game. I’m also a powerful rusher. I just try to switch it up and be consistent.
JM: How do you switch things up throughout the course of a game to keep an offensive tackle on their toes?
DT: I like to use a lot of speed-to-power. I’ll definitely hit him with some speed and then convert it to power later on. You gotta keep him guessing. I love to use a little inside counter as well. I have to keep switching it up. I can’t let him get used to anything in particular. As long as I’m executing everything to the best of my ability, he has no idea what’s coming next.
JM: Playing in the SEC afforded you the opportunity to play against the best competition college football has to offer on a weekly basis. Who are some of the best offensive tackles you went up against?
DT: The guy from Alabama comes to mind immediately. He wore No. 74 (Jedrick Wills). I played against Andrew Thomas from Georgia. I thought he had a great season this past year. Those were two of the best ones I’ve ever played against. It was definitely a big challenge to go up against those guys.
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?
DT: I just try to be consistent in what I’m doing, and win on a snap-by-snap basis. I wouldn’t say anything about demoralizing anybody specifically, I’m just trying to play the best game I’m capable of playing. I just try to play physical and dominate every game and every rep.
JM: When a team uses one of their draft picks on Darrell Taylor, what kind of guy are they getting?
DT: They’re getting a great leader that’s gonna establish himself as one of the leaders in that locker room. I’m always gonna work hard and take advantage of my opportunity.
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