Expectations will be high for Seahawks rookie Darrell Taylor

The Seahawks are expecting rookie defensive end Darrell Taylor, who they traded up to select, to immediately contribute to the pass rush.

The Seattle Seahawks attempted to beef up the defensive line when they selected two defensive ends in this year’s 2020 NFL Draft. The first pass rusher they added to the roster was Darrell Taylor out of Tennessee.

The Seahawks traded up to snag Taylor, sending the message expectations will be high for the rookie. Taylor is clear as to what Seattle is expecting from him.

“They just want me to come in and compete,” Taylor told the media in his post-draft press conference. “Obviously, they want to put me down and rush the passer. They want me to go for it. The most important thing is to compete and making sure that I’m coming in and helping my team win.”

General manager John Schneider and Pete Carroll see the value in Taylor, who fits the LEO role the Seahawks favor. A versatile player out of a power conference, Taylor has what it takes to step in and immediately make a difference.

“I think I bring I lot to the table,” Taylor acknowledged. “I can run, I can cover, I can do whatever you ask a linebacker for and a defensive end. I can do it all and I think that’s what I bring to the table for Seattle.”

Taylor joins first-round pick linebacker Jordyn Brooks and fourth-round selection Alton Smith, who will also figure into Seahawks pass-rushing options.

[lawrence-related id=60358]