Michael Taaffe 2026 NFL Draft: scouting report for Michael Taaffe, Safety

Everything you need to know about Texas Safety Michael Taaffe game, from pros and cons to a pro player comparison ahead of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

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Height: 6’0″
Weight: 189
Year: Senior
Pro Comparison: Andrew Mukuba

2026 NFL Combine Results

Michael Taaffe, Texas , Safety

  • Hand Size: N/A
  • Arm Length: N/A
  • 40-Yard Dash: N/A
  • Vertical Leap: N/A
  • Broad Jump: N/A
  • 20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
  • 3-Cone: N/A

Pros of Michael Taaffe

  • One of the most instinctual safeties in the 2026 class. Reads quarterbacks eyes like they’re his own and find his way to the ball before receivers do. Taaffe has turned that into production over the last three seasons, recording seven interceptions and eight pass breakups
  • Taaffe has continuously improved every year as a starter. He recorded 29 missed tackles in 29 games in 2023 and 2024, but improved that number and his technique in 2025 with just seven.
  • A lot of positional versatility. Taaffe can line up both as a box or free safety, has some experience in the slot, and has massive amount of special teams experience.

Cons of Michael Taaffe

  • Lacks the play strength to play with bigger bodied receivers and tight ends. Frame limits his play strength and aggressive attitude when attacking the ball carrier
  • Burst speed is good but lacks much else after the initial trigger. Taaffe will struggle at times to recover when beaten by receivers or not instantly able to diagnose the play.
  • Tackling has improved, but 36 missed tackles over three seasons is a big red flag.

Background

Taaffe is one of the best stories of any prospect in this year’s draft class. He walked on to the team in 2021, Steve Sarkisian’s first season with the Longhorns, and now ends his time at Texas as a three year starter. A strong voice in the locker room that developed into one of Texas’ biggest leaders, Taaffe’s play on the field earned him a spot on the All-American second team in 2024 along with his two NCAA playoff appearances.

Player Evaluation

Taaffe doesn’t have the size or speed that you normally look for in a every down starting safety, but his work ethic makes hard to believe he cant be one. Taaffe wins by getting the best of the quarterback and blowing up plays before they even start. His versatility at both safety and on special teams, with the leadership he has become known for at Texas will make him hard for any ball coach to pass up on. At worst he is a core special teamer that can rotate in and at best Taaffe can become a solid role player for any team.

A to Z Rankings

A to Z Big Board Ranking: 108

A to Z Draft Grade: 6.58

Draft projection: Early Day three

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