6. Darrell Taylor, DE/LB
Though nothing has been confirmed yet, there’s a high likelihood that Darrell Taylor will be moving from defensive end to outside linebacker in Tennessee’s new defensive scheme. Even if not, the rising redshirt junior needs to stand out this spring.
Both defensive end and linebacker are crowded positions and units under transition this spring. Competition at end and outside linebacker figure to be fierce as players try to fit in to new roles in a new defensive scheme. Taylor will be one of the most intriguing players to watch at either position.
Taylor has flashed his potential at times in his Tennessee career. Last year he finished with 27 tackles, three sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two passes defended, and a fumble recovery. But as often as he would look impressive, Taylor would also look lackluster.
Taylor has worked to add much needed weight on his frame ever since he arrived on campus back in 2015. He went from 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds to now measuring in at around 255 pounds. Even with that enormous weight gain over the last handful of years, he’s still undersized to play at end.
Expect to see Taylor at linebacker this spring. And he’ll need a good showing if he wants to beat out players who are more natural linebackers than him.
