Jaguars trade up for Jawaan Taylor
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up three spots with the Oakland Raiders in the second round to select offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor out of Florida at 35th overall.
Jacksonville received the No. 35 overall pick in order to get Taylor, as well as a fifth-round pick (No. 140 overall), and a seventh-rounder (No. 235). Oakland acquired the No. 38 overall pick and a fourth-rounder (No. 109).
Taylor was projected to be a first-round pick, but fell due to concern over a meniscus injury.
Prospect profile
School: Florida
Height: 6-5
Weight: 312 lbs
Strengths
- Ideal frame and length for offensive tackle
- Physical mauler in running game
- Blows opponent off ball and drives them out of their gap
- Can climb to second level and make block on target in space
- Pass rush is shut down when he gets his hands on opponent
- Anchors well against power-rush moves
- Shows athleticism in space
Weaknesses
- Has difficulty dealing with edge speed off line
- Must improve hand placement to keep within defender’s frame
- Could make better use of length for leverage in running game
- 12 penalties in 2018
Bottom line
Taylor is the most dominant run-blocker in this class, moving bodies off the line with power and even showcasing his athleticism by working upfield or getting out in space. His strength also shows up in pass protection, where opposing rushers can be shut down pretty quickly if he gets his hands on them. He'll struggle with speed to the outside, but he's athletic enough to improve in that area. Taylor is a long-term starter at right tackle, a position that's becoming just as important as the left.