Taywan Taylor
WR, Western Kentucky · 2017 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #72 (TEN)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: position, availability. Details below.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 35 of ~64 possible regular-season games from 2017 through 2020 (~55%). Last NFL season: 2020.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #80 (#8 at his position), close to where he went (#72).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Western Kentucky: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.50 40-yard dash at 203 lbs: faster than 37% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 35 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 6 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 6.0 |
| Rushing | 8 att, 43 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 53 rec, 697 yds, 2 TD |
| Defense | 4 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2020 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2017 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2017 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 11", 203 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.50 s |
| Bench press | 13 reps |
| Vertical | 33.5" |
| Broad jump | 132" |
| 3-cone | 6.57 s |
| Shuttle | 4.21 s |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #80 overall (#8 WR) |
Picked around him 2017 redraft
| 69 | Cooper Kupp | redraft #9 |
| 70 | Pat Elflein | redraft #73 |
| 71 | Dan Feeney | redraft #46 |
| 73 | Jordan Willis | redraft #138 |
| 74 | Chris Wormley | redraft #101 |
| 75 | Duke Riley | redraft #97 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.