CBS Sports names former Vols standout as 'sleeper rookie' who could earn key role in NFL in 2022
CBS Sports thinks former Tennessee Vols defensive back Alontae Taylor is a "sleeper rookie" who could earn a key role in the NFL in 2022. Taylor, a Tennessee native, was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round (No. 49 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. The former Vol will join several former […]
CBS Sports thinks former Tennessee Vols defensive back Alontae Taylor is a "sleeper rookie" who could earn a key role in the NFL in 2022.
Taylor, a Tennessee native, was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round (No. 49 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The former Vol will join several former Tennessee players in New Orleans, including Alvin Kamara, Shy Tuttle, Marquez Callaway, and Bryce Thompson.
Here's what CBS Sports had to say about Taylor in 2022:
Taylor was one of the older prospects in the 2022 draft, and he played like it. Incredibly knowledgeable on the field. And his standout trait is his explosiveness. He's a rocket to the football and can hold his own at outside corner, in the slot when needed or at safety.
Learning from the outstandingly versatile and pesky Chauncey Gardner-Johnson — who's only a year older than Taylor — will be majorly beneficial for Taylor as a movable chess piece in New Orleans' secondary.
There are two big reasons why Taylor should see the field early and often in New Orleans.
One is his speed. Taylor ran a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash during the pre-draft process. That's elite speed that would help any NFL team.
The other reason is because of Taylor's versatility. He can line up at any of the defensive back positions, which means he'll likely be the first defensive back off the bench in most situations.
Taylor had a great career at Tennessee and it certainly appears that he's set to have a solid NFL career.
Featured image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
