Taylor Mays Scouting Report

Mays possesses one of the most distinguished resumes of any prospect, regardless of position, in this year's draft. He was the PAC-10 Co-freshman of the year in 2006 when he registered 62 tackles and 6 interceptions. He followed his outstanding freshman campaign with a 65 tackle, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble season in 2007.Mays was voted to the Sporting News Magazine's first Team All American after the season; had a solid 53 tackle year in 2008. For his action, AP named him to their first team All-American squad. He also was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the nation's best defensive back. The 6-foot-3 safety is one of the best pure athletes in this draft, blessed with uncanny athleticism and agility. Solidly built with raw power, he possesses incredible range and even better coverage awareness. Shows the acceleration and sheer speed to assist cornerbacks over the top. Has top notch closing burst and pursuit speed to rundown ballcarriers and stay with WRs downfield. On the downside, he is not the most punishing hitter. Can be overaggressive and tends to miss some tackles in space. He is a low, drag-down tackler. Will stop moving his feet and lunge at the ballcarrier. Has not shown the hip turning skill many scouts covet and his backpedaling needs more work. Lacks the fluidity to move on a dime. Can be fooled by play action and double pup fakes, which allows receivers to get behind him. Should have been more productive playing in a pass happy conference. Once projected as a top 5 pick, Mays' stock took a plunge with USC's less than stellar season and a mediocre Senior Bowl performance. Still, he has the physical ability to be drafted in the first round. He is a unique safety prospect who is more adept at covering receivers than at assisting the run. The athleticism is there and he if puts out the work, Mays could start early in his NFL career and be making an immediate impact. 4/1 Update: Mays showed off why he was considered a top five pick last year during the NFL Combine. There is not a stronger and faster safety out there, especially one who is 6-3 and 230 pounds. Yet again it comes down to work ethic. If Mays wants to be one of the best safeties in the NFL, he can do it. And that is all many NFL teams need to hear to take a chance on him in the first round. Eric Berry might be the best safety in this class right now, but Mays has the potential to be the best in a few years.