ESPN names best free agent fit for former Vols DB Alontae Taylor, and it could impact where Jermod McCoy is drafted
Former Tennessee Vols defensive back Alontae Taylor is in line to receive a huge pay day in free agency.
Former Tennessee Vols defensive back Alontae Taylor is expected to receive a big pay-day in free agency when the new league year begins in March.
Taylor, who played at Tennessee from 2018 to 2021, was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The former Vol played in 64 games with 53 starts during his four seasons with the Saints, recording seven sacks, 52 passes defensed, four interceptions, and 293 tackles.
Taylor should have no shortage of suitors in free agency. ESPN’s Matt Bowen, however, thinks the Los Angeles Rams would be the best free agent fit for Taylor.
“The Rams’ lack of speed in the secondary — which showed up in the NFC Championship Game loss to the Seahawks — must be addressed this offseason,” wrote Bowen. “With Taylor would provide the Rams a versatile cover corner with disruptive traits and the ability to play outside or in the slot.”
Bowen also pointed out the Chicago Bears and the Las Vegas Raiders as fits that could make sense for Taylor.
Alontae Taylor landing with the Rams could impact former Vols cornerback Jermod McCoy
If Taylor lands with the Rams, it would almost certainly alter the franchise’s plans for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Numerous mock drafts have the Rams selecting a cornerback with the their first pick of the draft (No. No. 13 overall).
The latest mock draft from ESPN’s Field Yates specifically has the Rams selecting former Vols cornerback Jermod McCoy at No. 13 overall.
Yates, interestingly, also has the Rams selecting former Vols cornerback Colton Hood with the their second pick in the first round (No. 29 overall).
If Taylor lands with the Rams, there’s no chance Los Angeles would then take two cornerbacks in the first round.
This is all speculation for now — no one knows how free agency or the draft will play out later this spring. But it seems there’s a good chance that a former Tennessee defensive back lands with the Rams this offseason.
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