Taylor Mays Scouting Report

Mays possesses one of the most distinguished resumes of any prospect, regarding the position, in this year's class. 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 first Team All American after the season. He had a solid 53 tackle year in 2008. For his action, AP named him to its first team All0American squad. He also was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the nation's best defensive back.

Mays made a good decision returning for his senior year at Southern California Trojans. The 6-foot-3 safety is one of the best pure athletes in the draft. Solid built, with raw power, he possesses incredible range and even better coverage awareness. He has blazing speed and moves well enough on the back end to make plays on the ball. Mays possesses a good feel for the game and a knack for the football. He is well respected and a natural leader on the field.

On the downside, he is not the most punishing hitter. He can be overaggressive and misses some tackles in space. He is a low, drag-down tackler.

Taylor projects as a top ten pick and his stock could go even higher once the NFL Combine gets around because of his pure athleticism.