FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Texas Tech defensive back Dadrion Taylor-Demerson.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (DB – Texas Tech)
5’11” – 195 lbs.
Background:
Started twice out of 11 appearances back in 2019, and in three out of 10 in 2020. Was credited with 16 tackles in each of those campaigns. Started seven times (12 games played) in 2021, intercepting three passes and breaking up several more (six to 10, depending on the source) before becoming a full-time starter the following year. Posted 74 tackles, three interceptions and five breakups in 2022. Followed that up with 73 tackles, four interceptions and eight breakups this past year, per Sports Reference.
Positives:
One of the most experienced and productive safeties in the class. Primarily a high safety, but has experience in the slot and box as well. The team trusted him to play some single-high. Instinctive player who trusts his reads and plays with decisiveness and aggression; around the ball a lot more often than you’d think given how far back he typically lines up. Has smooth movement skills, clean footwork and nice transitions from his backpedal to driving a spot. Burst to close looks good. When working from off-coverage over the slot he shows some power in his hands to disrupt receivers’ timing. Ball hawk with 10 career picks to his name and plenty of other plays on the ball. Sniffs out screens quickly. A willing run supporter who attacks blocks with aggression and shows good lower-body strength. Shows some suddenness to slip past opponents and get to the football. Made strides as a tackler this year. Also has extensive special teams experience.
Negatives:
Some teams may consider him small for a box role. Aggressiveness can sometimes work against him — commits early and can be pulled out of position by misdirection and play-fakes at times. Lets receivers cross his face a little bit too easily when playing in the slot. At times he looks like he can have trouble processing route combinations from the box and when playing in a robber role. Shows physicality to take on blocks but can struggle to disengage. Can come in a bit too hot in the open field. Tackling was an issue at times in previous seasons.
Summary:
A free safety with the aggressive temperament and physicality of a box defender, his decisiveness and ball skills will appeal to teams looking for a high-zone ball hawk. His schematic versatility will be a big selling point. At the same time, teams that favor more conservative play on the back end might have some concerns about how quickly he commits. Could turn into a pretty good safety as he continues to gain experience processing route combinations and improving his discipline.
Projection: Round 4
More 2024 NFL Draft Prospects
Cornerbacks
- Josh Newton (CB – TCU)
- Cooper DeJean (CB – Iowa)
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB – Missouri)
- Kalen King (CB – Penn State)
- Kamari Lassiter (CB – Georgia)
- Khyree Jackson (CB – Oregon)
- D.J. James (CB – Auburn)
- Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)
- Kris Abrams-Draine (CB – Missouri)
- Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)
- T.J. Tampa (CB – Iowa State)
- Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)
- Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)
- Nehemiah Pritchett (CB – Auburn)
- Mike Sainristil (CB – Michigan)
- Dwight McGlothern (CB – Arkansas)
- Caelen Carson (CB – Wake Forest)
- Cam Hart (CB – Notre Dame)
- Max Melton (CB – Rutgers)
- Jarrian Jones (CB – Florida State)
Defensive Backs
- Calen Bullock (DB – USC)
- Beau Brade (DB – Maryland)
- James Williams (DB – Miami)
- Jaden Hicks (DB – Washington State)
- Sione Vaki (DB – Utah)
- Javon Bullard (DB – Georgia)
- Cole Bishop (DB – Utah)
- Tykee Smith (DB – Georgia)
- Malik Mustapha (DB – Wake Forest)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
For more from Matthew, check out his archive and follow him @draftexaminer.