2018 NFL Draft: Taylor Hearn Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Clemson’s Taylor Hearn is a thickly build 2018 NFL Draft offensive guard prospect.
Taylor Hearn worked on Clemson’s very talented offensive line group. He did a good job keeping pace and providing solid contributions. However, his 2018 NFL Draft stock is at the back end of the draft and projects as a backup guard.
Hearn features a barrel-chested build with a thick bubble. His bulk helps him absorb contact and anchor at the point of attack. He does a good job quickly getting out of his stance and initiating contact. His punch is solid and provides him with some space.
He does show a nasty streak and will routinely work to the whistle.
However, he lacks idea arm length and struggles to maintain inside hands. Hearn shows that he’s aware of his lack of arm length and will overcompensate. This results in him getting out over his pads impacting his balance.
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Hearn is a limited athlete and isn’t someone who should be asked make blocks on the move. He’s at his best when he can attack someone across his face and fight to seal him from the play.
In pass protection, he shows excellent awareness and knows when to work off his initial blocks. Hearn often helps the offensive tackle with inside counter moves. The problem is that he lacks lateral quickness and struggles to mirror the pass rush.
His shorter arms also hurt his protection skills in that struggles to latch and control. Hearn does work to keep a wide base which helps him anchor after initial contact.
Overall, Hearn is someone who best fits the NFL in a backup role. He just doesn’t have the measurables, athleticism or position versatility to warrant a high draft pick.