Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Taylor Mays (USC) - 2010 NFL Draft Pick #49 by SF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Taylor Mays (2010 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Taylor Mays
• College: University of Southern California (USC)
• Position: Safety
• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 230 lbs

Strengths:

• Exceptional athleticism with elite speed and agility for a safety.
• Great size and physicality, allowing him to match up well against larger receivers.
• Strong in run support, often filling gaps effectively and making tackles in the backfield.
• Ability to cover ground quickly in deep coverage situations.
• Experience playing in a high-level college program with strong competition.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent tackling technique, sometimes leading to missed tackles.
• Underdeveloped ball skills; struggles with interceptions and creating turnovers.
• Can be overly aggressive, leading to penalties or being out of position.
• Needs improvement in reading plays and recognizing routes in coverage.

Overall Analysis:

Taylor Mays was regarded as one of the most physically gifted safeties in the 2010 NFL Draft class. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a playmaker in the secondary. However, concerns about his ball skills and tackling technique raised questions about his ability to transition to the NFL level effectively.

Teams looking for a strong safety who could contribute in both coverage and run support would consider Mays a valuable asset. His experience at USC and exposure to high-pressure situations added to his appeal as a potential early-round pick.