Michael Taaffe
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Career Summary
Michael Taaffe is an Austin defensive back who developed from a Texas walk-on into an All-American before the Miami Dolphins selected him in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Taaffe played 53 games and made 36 starts at Texas. His college career included conference, academic and community-service recognition before Miami selected him in the fifth round.
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Early Life
Taaffe is from Austin, Texas.
He attended Westlake High School and grew up a Longhorn fan before walking on at Texas.
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High School
Taaffe attended Westlake High School in Austin.
Texas listed the Austin native as a Westlake graduate when he joined the Longhorns program.
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College Career
Taaffe played five seasons at Texas after joining the program as a walk-on in 2021.
He became a regular starter in 2023 and started all 16 games in 2024, when he recorded 78 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups. In 2025, he started 10 games and recorded 70 tackles, two interceptions, a pass breakup and a sack despite missing two games.
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Path to the NFL
Taaffe's rise from walk-on to decorated Texas starter led to his selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He received a scholarship before his sophomore season, then earned All-America recognition in 2024 and 2025. Miami selected him 158th overall in the fifth round.
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NFL Career
The Miami Dolphins selected Taaffe in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Miami used the 158th overall pick on the Texas safety and announced his signing among 10 draft picks in June 2026. NFL.com lists him as an active rookie safety for the Dolphins.
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Career Accomplishments
Taaffe earned All-America, All-SEC and community-service honors in his final Texas season.
He won the 2025 Wuerffel Trophy, received AFCA first-team All-America, FWAA second-team All-America and AP third-team All-America honors, and was a first-team All-SEC selection. He also was captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and a Burlsworth Trophy finalist.
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Playing Style
Taaffe played safety with production in tackling, coverage and special teams at Texas.
Miami highlighted his work ethic, leadership and football instincts after drafting him. Texas credited him with 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and 5.5 tackles for loss in his 2024 starting season.
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32485, 00-0041528, 2/18/2003, Michael Taaffe, Michael, Taaffe
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
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MFT Score: 0.0
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.