I’ve been thinking…Who the hell is Tyrod Taylor? Well, all I know is that he played at VT until 2010 and he’s being talked about being in the running to start for the Bills. Its obviously stupid to do a Q&A about him with a Ravens blogger since he didn’t start there, so, I think reaching out to the writer for the college he played at would help. So, we got Roy over at SB Nation’s Gobbler Country to dish the dirt on his time there. Enjoy and tell a friend.
1) What were the pros and cons to Tyrod Taylor’s game at VT?
Tyrod started 42 games at Virginia Tech, and was a fixture there for 4 solid years. He struggled with turnovers in 2008, throwing 7 picks against only 2 tds, but really came into his own his junior and senior year. He was very athletic, and had a great arm. Some Hokie fans wanted to see more of an option look (like Mike Vick), but Tyrod was a more polished pocket passer. He won a heck of a lot of ballgames in Blacksburg, and is well respected.
2) What would you say is the type of offense he should run in?
Not sure that the spread will ever truly infiltrate the N.F.L. His size would dictate that he shouldn’t be subject to a lot of physical abuse, but I look at what Seattle does with Russell Wilson, and think that is the blueprint. If he runs at opportune times, he can be the most effective. He ran a 4.51 at his combine which is pretty darn quick for a QB. He at some point will learn to have to make what I consider “N.F.L. throws”. The windows in the league are miniscule, and the game is only getting faster.
3) When I look at his stats, his 2010 season really pops out. 24TDs, 5INTs, 2500 yards passing and 659 yards rushing. Why did he have such a stellar season?
That team had one of the craziest seasons I can remember. They lost to Kellen Clemens and Boise State to open with. They then laid the ultimate egg by losing to James Madison (AT HOME!) the next week. Keep in mind that the only other time a ranked team lost to an FCS team was when Appalachian State beat Michigan at the Big House. This tells me a lot about Taylor’s leadership. The Hokies then reeled off 10 straight wins, falling to Andrew Luck and Stanford in the Discover Orange Bowl. It would have been easy to give up, but Taylor and the rest of the Hokies made a magical turnaround. It also didn’t hurt that Taylor had David Wilson (former N.Y. Giant) to run the ball and Jarrett Boykin (current N.F.L. receiver) to throw to.
4) What NFL pro would you say he reminds you of?
I hate to keep referencing this guy, but at his best Taylor is every bit of an athlete as Russell Wilson. The statures are similar. Taylor has a really strong arm. It helps tremendously that Seattle’s success is predicated on running the football and a strong defense.
5) Do you think he has the chops to be an NFL starter?
It really depends on the situation. I think if Taylor was starting for Seattle, he would be getting the same respect as Russell Wilson. If he started for the Jaguars, it would be a tough road to climb. He will never be the Rogers, Manning, or Brees guy that will chuck it 45 times per game.
6) What do you think he has to work on from his college game to the pro game?
The windows are super small in the league. He needs help with footwork to improve his accuracy. He needs to improve his decision making and not lock in on the primary receiver.
7) What type of guys does Taylor like throwing the ball to (TEs, WRs, RBs)?
I don’t think that really matters. I think if the target is open he will try to find it.
8) Why do you think he was drafted in the 6th round?
Size primarily. He did have some balls batted down at VT. I think most N.F.L. guys look for the old school quarterback. 6″6″ 240, rocket arm. I do think that the game is transitioning somewhat, but given the choice of E.J. Manuel or Drew Brees out of college, most scouts take Manuel. How’d that go?
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