Did Devin Taylor make a mistake by not leaving early?

[1801Green]

With all of the hype surrounding Clowney this year, and with a less than stellar senior campaign, I wonder if Devin cost himself some money by staying around this season?

[Spurrier Fan]

I believe one of the announcers calling the game on ESPN3 said he could be the top DE taken in the draft.

[Ownage McGee]

I believe he did. I don't see how his stock has improved after the mediocre season he's had.

[Latt4Gov]

Originally Posted by Spurrier Fan

I believe one of the announcers calling the game on ESPN3 said he could be the top DE taken in the draft.

As much as I wish the best for Devin, there is no way he gets drafted above Mingo or Montgomery from LSU.....But, then again, i've seen crazier things this year. Going into yesterday no one thought that the SEC would have another shot at the NC but, look what happened.

[HeadCockFan]

He could be a top 3 DE taken, IF he 'combines' well. I'm pretty sure he will look the part. I don't think his draft position would have been any higher last year. His strength has likely improved a bit since last season too.

[GH]

He works his ass off and plays hard every down. I am surprised all the attention paid to Clowney has not benefited Taylor statwise

[imabeastonu]

devin has been a major contributor to one of the top pass rushes AND rush defense in the SEC/country the past 3 years... people know about him that need to know

[CockyInGA]

I don't think it hurt him in any way to stay. He'll still go high or mid first round, I'd say behind Montgomery and Mingo.

[Regalcock]

I think he has been held almost as much as Clowney this year.

[Cigaro]

On paper, his season last year was no better. Also, not a chance he is the first defensive end taken barring absolutely freakish Combine numbers (i.e. Mario Williams/JPP-esque).

[I Bleed Garnet]

His stock was highest after his RS soph year.

[JT21]

Doesn't have elite first step quickness or explosiveness off the ball. Think he would've dropped in the draft anyway when people start watching him more closely.

[ReCOCKulous]

He stayed to gain some weight. He's playing at about 25 lbs heavier than last year. He made the right decision. Nfl teams will look at him as a project because he still needs some more strength. I predict third to fifth round.

[b381l]

We'll find out in April. I think he was a 2nd round last year...I think he's 3rd round now. With all the doubling on Clowney, Devin should have had a more productive year.

[JTsecSC]

Originally Posted by HeadCockFan

He could be a top 3 DE taken, IF he 'combines' well. I'm pretty sure he will look the part. I don't think his draft position would have been any higher last year. His strength has likely improved a bit since last season too.

Bingo. I think this is what it will come down to.

Much like S Gilmore, I think several factors will come together culminating at the end of the combine. First, he has the numbers and production in the past despite a statistical drop-off as of lately. Second, skilled scouts and MGMT personnel will comb through game film and see his abilities to stifle the run and disrupt plays. Getting them huge limbs up in a QB's face might not give you a sack or pick but will certainly alter the play.

Last, I think the combine will be good to him. He's strong but they won't be worried about his bench so much. They'll be drooling over his height, frame, wingspaaaaaaaaaaaan, and athleticism. The guy can springboard.

Just like when Gilmore "underperformed" in his last year but blew up the combine, scouts really locked on. I think the same can happen for Devin. They already know he can produce but when the measurements start, they will get giddy.

[JTsecSC]

Originally Posted by I Bleed Garnet

His stock was highest after his RS soph year.

He went from preseason 1st team AA after his sophmore year to postseason 3rd team All-SEC.

[Spurz]

Yeah, Devin has had a quiet year for us, but he'll blow up at the combine. He's an incredible athlete and looks every bit the part of an NFL-caliber DE. He'll be fine, and I expect he's still on track to go pretty early in the draft.

[robgusc76]

If he's struggling in his senior year at South Carolina, how do you think he would perform in the NFL?

[MEL]

No. He did what he thought was best for him at the time.

[lilhornet]

Originally Posted by robgusc76

If he's struggling in his senior year at South Carolina, how do you think he would perform in the NFL?

Gilmore struggled and was arguably the 3rd most talented corner but was picked in the top 10? Jeffery didn't have a great statistical senior season but he was picked in the second round and both were starting on their NFL teams? I like his chances.