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First Round Prospects, Defensive Line: Phil Taylor, Baylor

If you are looking for a direct replacement of recently released Kris Jenkins, look no further than Phil Taylor. At 337 pounds, Taylor is a monstrous presence in the middle of the defense, and has the perfect build and qualities to play NT in a 3-4. After being suspended from Penn State, he transferred to Baylor.

His best qualities are against the run, which is obviously what you would hope for in a NT. He displays good technique and pad level and is a load to move. He is going to command to double team to keep him out of the backfield. He is quick off the ball and swallows up any backs that try to run through him.

While playing the pass is not his best attribute, it can hardly be considered a weakness. He may be used best when kicked outside, going against tackles - similar to what the Patriots do with Vince Wilfork. He can use the swim and rip moves, but against top centers, he is not an elite interior rusher.

The negatives on Taylor are not abundant. He tends to lose stamina quickly, which is not unique of NTs. A rotational system, characteristic of the Jets defense, would suit him best. There is also the felony he was charged with while at Penn State in 2007 for aggravated assault. However, that appears to be an isolated incident, and there is nothing wrong with a little attitude in a defensive lineman.

Overall, I like Taylor's future in the NFL, and would not be disappointed for the Jets to grab him at 30. He can go anywhere in the late 1st to early 2nd, but I expect him to not make it past the Jets. He's not the edge rusher Jets fans have been clamoring for, but he is a relatively safe pick that is going to help any team that picks him.