then we have Troy Palamalou only faster. What a Strong Safety that would be. Of course, isn't there some question how good a football player he might be? At least I've read some articles to that effect.
Taylor Mays has the reputation of being a physical freak w/ little football sense. I don't know how deserved this is, but there has been some expressed concern about his ability to diagnose plays and preference for the killshot above all else.
that guys nasty.
time is 4.43
Huh, he didn't look all that fast when gritty* wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher right straight past him. If this guy ever learns how to play football, he's going to be pretty good.
*white.
The guy was a 4 year starter who won 3 Rose Bowls. Carroll always played his safeties deep in a "bend-but-don't-break-no-big-plays-at-any-cost" style, basically challenging opponents to continue to make plays up and down the field. The guy is a flat out stud who made tons of big plays and played on a number of incredible defenses. I think a lot of the criticism from people stems from not liking what he was asked to do by his coaches (but I don't think you can really argue with the success).
Just because he was on a team that had a lot of success doesn't mean he is the reason for it. He was also surrounded by a number of high calibur athletes. Last year, 3 of the LB's that played in front of Mays for virtually his entire time there (save this past fall when USC's defense was mediocre at best) were drafted in the first 40 picks or so. Keep in mind also that almost every team that USC played the last 4 seasons played from behind from the second quarter on - pretty easy on a safety.
No doubt he is as physically gifted as anyone in college football the last 4 years, and I think that played a big role in his success. He may still be an NFL starter, but he will need more than his physical tools to excel at the next level. I wouldn't take him in the first round. After that, probably worth the gamble.
I know it probably makes me an ass but when I see a guy built like Taylor Mays run like that I get suspicious.
I really wouldn't care if Mays ran a 4.0 flat, I still would take Eric Berry before him. Berry is a natural at safety. He always seems to be in the right place to make a big play- hard to coach that trait.
This guy is Usain Bolt with a football helmet on. First round picks especially early to mid rounders are expected to contribute early. I dont think he has the football sense to do so.