The New York Giants added Richmond safety Cooper Taylor in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft. Taylor, an oversized player for his position, brings great value to Big Blue and could benefit most from a move to linebacker. The Giants’ need for a player at this position leading up to the draft was well documented, with most out there predicting them to take one at some point. They didn’t, instead choosing to focus on other positions across the board.
At least that’s how it appeared. The decision to select Taylor, however, may have actually been made to address the team’s desperate need for a linebacker with the intent of repositioning the 6-foot-5 athlete.
Taylor’s experience in pass coverage as well as his prowess as a heavy-hitting tackler could make him a favorable option to take over the weakside linebacker role from the departed Michael Boley. He is a physical, aggressive player with great vision and decision-making to make his presence felt around the football at all times.
As a senior in 2012, Taylor recorded 78 tackles, four interceptions, 1 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles and nine pass breakups. He garnered first-team All-FCS honors as one of the nation’s top safeties.
He starred at the East-West Shrine Game, according to CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler, impressing his coaches with his ability to learn and digest the information provided to him. WalterFootball.com’s Charlie Campbell noted that he performed well in defending the run and in pass defense.
While the move to linebacker is not certain at this time, it is likely. Besides Taylor’s unique size, his speed is not ideal for a safety. His athleticism is exceptional for a player of his height and build, but it may be more useful from the linebacker position. Furthermore, the Giants may see Taylor’s size as an opportunity to match up with the league’s top tight ends.
SNY Giants’ John Fennelly brought up an intriguing comparison that many Giants fans should hold close to their hearts — former Pro Bowl linebacker Brad Van Pelt.
Van Pelt was also a 6-foot-5 safety coming out of Michigan State selected by the G-Men in the 1973 draft. Upon his arrival, he made the switch over to linebacker and starred as a member of the Crunch Bunch from the mid-1970s and into the late-1980s.
At Richmond’s Pro Day, NFL coaches worked Taylor out as a linebacker despite his official position being listed as a safety for the draft. That should be as great an indication as any that most teams, the Giants included, believe the former Spiders standout will fare better from a position change.
If Taylor can prove to be half the player Van Pelt was during his 11 years in New York, Giants fans will be very happy. The tools are there to be a productive player regardless of the position he plays. The level of success he achieves will ultimately hinge on the coaching he receives and his development at the pro level.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.