Hilee Taylor SELECTED BY: Carolina Panthers Round 7(14)

SI Grade 3.26 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Former linebacker who moved to defensive end as a junior then started the next two seasons. All-Conference selection as a senior after totaling 49/16/10.5. Junior-year totals included 29/5/3.

POSITIVES: Hard-working, undersized defensive end who makes plays in every direction of the field. Displays good first-step quickness, fast off the edge, and has a closing burst. Plays with good pad level, quickly changes direction, and fluid moving in reverse. Immediately alters his angle of attack and flashes the ability to pursue from the back side.

NEGATIVES: Handled at the point of attack by a single blocker and more of a first-move lineman. Very slow to shed blocks. Lacks a great 40 time.

ANALYSIS: Taylor showed a lot of improvement as a senior and was a constant presence in the opponent's backfield. He is too small to play every down out of a three-point stance, yet he could have a home as a pass-rushing linebacker in a 3-4 alignment.

PROJECTION: Late Seventh Round