As we get closer and closer to the 2019 NFL Draft, it’s worth looking at some of the prospects the Buffalo Bills may be picking in less than a week. As we approach the big night, we take a look at the background of former Florida Gators offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor, an offensive tackle expected to be taken within the first fifteen picks of the draft.
In 2016, Taylor was the only freshman to play on Florida’s offensive line. He started every game that season and was a part of the Freshman All-SEC team. Durability was again the hallmark of Taylor’s sophomore season, as he managed to play in every game, one of only two Florida offensive linemen. In 2018, Taylor’s presence along Florida’s offensive line helped the unit surrender only 18 sacks over the course of the entire season, ranking 20th in the country and third in the SEC.
It’s difficult to gauge Taylor’s athleticism, because he was not able to participate in NFL Combine testing, due to a mild distal hamstring strain. Despite that, he was able to participate in some of the offensive line drills and looked fluid and smooth doing so. His long arms and above-average wingspan and are really his greatest asset, along with his core strength, a necessity in any right tackle prospect.
Taylor has all the tools to be a starter at right tackle in the NFL. He has the athletic ability, the experience, and the work ethic teams want along their offensive line. Accordingly, most mock drafts have him going in the top fifteen picks, with the only possible factor holding him back is his inability to handle the left tackle spot. As such, he could be primed for a slight fall on the draft’s first day.