With the 218th pick in the 2011 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers selected North Carolina TE (H-back) Ryan Taylor
He measures in at 6-3, 254 pounds. At his Pro day, he posted a 4.76-second 40-yard dash, 21 bench-presses, 4.47-second 20-yard shuttle and a 34″ vertical leap.
College history
Taylor started out strictly as a linebacker for two seasons, spent two seasons playing both linebacker and tight end, then converted full-time to tight end (H-back) his senior year. All four years, however, he was a key contributor on special team, twice being named ST captain. (Taylor’s college coach Butch Davis, used the H-back position to help develop Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow Jr when he was at Miami)
Taylor finished the 2010 season with 36 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns. He excelled in the post-season Music City bowl, leading North Carolina with nine catches for 85 yards as the Tar Heels won a 30-27 double-overtime game over Tennessee .
Commentary
Ryan Taylor appears to be Spencer Havner with a head start. Where Havner was switched to tight end in the Pros, Taylor has already made the move and has had some excellent coaching at North Carolina. The scouting report on Taylor says he’s an aggressive and very effective blocker on the edge, but can struggle hitting blocking targets downfield. Has solid hands, gets into his routes quickly, but will not get many additional yds after the catch. Undersized for the pro tight end position, but if used in the H-back role, can be an effective player.
In summary, Taylor will be looked at primarily as a both sides of the ball special team player, and primarily as a blocker from the tight end or H-back position
Video:
——————
Follow Jersey Al:
Follow @JerseyAlGBP
Add to Circleson
Jersey Al Bracco is the founder and editor of AllGreenBayPackers.com, and the co-founder of Packers Talk Radio Network. He can be heard as one of the Co-Hosts on Cheesehead Radio and is the Green Bay Packers Draft Analyst for Drafttek.com.
——————
The only real head scratcher pick for me, I didn’t have this kid on my list, we all know that TT and MM talk a big game about special teams but when cut day comes they go with the more talented players, good luck Ryan!