Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Player Information
Player: Darius Taylor
School: Minnesota
Height/Weight: 6-0/215 lbs.
Player Background
– 3-Star Recruit
– Ran Track and Field in High School
– All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2023 and 2024
Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season
– 343 Rushing Attempts
– 1,785 Rushing Yards
– 5.2 Yards Per Carry
– 65 Receptions
– 442 Receiving Yards
– 6.8 Yards Per Reception
– 17 Touchdowns
Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season
– 83.7 PFF Rushing Grade
– 3.85 Yards After Contact Per Carry
– 81 Missed Tackles Forced
– 50 Carries 10+ Yards
– Breakaway Run Chance of 37.9%
Player Traits
– Patient waiting for blockers, reads the defense
– Physical runner and blocker
– Can surprise you with his catching ability
– Good ball security
– Appreciate his willingness to fight for extra yards, doesn’t avoid contact
Player Summary
Darius Taylor has a lot of hype behind him, especially from Gold Gopher fans, and it is deserved. He is a physical runner, perfect for the Big Ten, but he also has some agility that makes him flash at times. He is a reliable blocker for his quarterback and will be for his passer in the NFL. He never shies away from contact, and it allows him to pick up extra yards, and in the process, it makes him a fan favorite. While he lacks the long speed you always hope for in a running back, at least on film, he still has a playmaker dynamic that he brings to the offense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Darius Taylor, RB, Minnesota
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
