2020 NFL Draft: Top 5 nickel cornerback position rankings

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Levonta Taylor Nickel

Scouting Report

Taylor entered the college ranks with a lot of hype and rightfully so as a do everything consensus 5-star prospect. The number one ranked cornerback in his recruiting class, Taylor’s career has become somewhat of a disappointment as he was moved to the safety position this year. Despite not living up to the hype, he still possess traits that can make him an elite nickel someday in the NFL.

Taylor is a player who moves with an effortlessness that is efficient. He never waste steps in his transitions and to say call his feet quick would be an understatement. His foot quickness is absolutely elite when watching him change directions out of his break or mirror receivers at the line of scrimmage.

Nickels aren’t often asked to press but his footwork at the line of scrimmage is impeccable when looking back on his 2018 tape playing corner. He can slide his feet with ease and cover some serious ground which is a trait you want to see from a guy you will have playing in space.

Taylor’s burst out of his breaks are elite when coming downhill out of his backpedal. His hip fluidity is very natural as he can transition seamlessly with great balance and without losing a step on a receiver. He possess very good foot speed to be able to carry vertical routes consistently.

His tackling skills are solid and most importantly the willingness to be a part of run support is there. Good ball skills to get his hand on the football when target, he will compete through the echo of the whistle to try and get the ball out. He has a very good feel for processing routes and how to effectively play his coverage.

He struggles to get off of blocks due to a lack of play strength. Struggles to play the ball in the air consistently and could be a mismatch against the big slot style of teams. Has dealt with his share of injuries in college and will have teams concerned about if he can hold up for a full NFL season.

Taylor is a technician who will make coaches very trusting of him in space due to his ability to repeat explosive movements and transitions without false stepping or losing his balance. Levonta Taylor has the potential to be the biggest riser in this group and will make an NFL team very happy.