Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Jason Taylor II (25) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
No, Jason Taylor II is not related to that Jason Taylor, Jets fans. So with that out of the way, let’s delve into Oklahoma State’s play making defensive back whose name you’re probably not hearing very much of as the NFL draft approaches.
Taylor spent four seasons at safety for the Oklahoma State Cowboys where he played just a handful of snaps through his first two seasons. Then in 2021, he appeared in 13 games and picked up 48 tackles and a pair of interceptions. With his fourth collegiate season on the way, Taylor was expected to be a more prominent part of the Cowboys defense and he did not disappoint.
The Oklahoma City native would play a total of 812 snaps on defense, picking up 99 tackles, six interceptions and seven passes defensed. That’s one heck of a stat line to close out a college career.
Name: Jason Taylor II
College: Oklahoma State
Position: Safety
Number: 25
HT: 6′
Wt: 204
Arm Length: 32”
Hand Size: 10”
40 yard dash: 4.50
10 yard split: 1.52
Vertical Jump: 43”
Broad Jump: 129”
Games Watched: Texas, Baylor, TCU, Oklahoma, Arizona State
Viewed as a likely day three selection, Taylor offers the possibility of a late-round steal. A player who showed tremendous improvement during his time at Oklahoma State, the safety held opposing quarterbacks to a rating of 54.7 when targeted in 2022. This, compared to marks of 153.5, 124.5 and 97.3 from 2019 to 2021 respectively.
Taylor’s impressive ball production and high level play against the pass can be largely attributed to his ability to recognize what opposing receivers are trying to do while having the ability to react quickly to what is transpiring. In games against Oklahoma and TCU, Taylor flashed the ability to break on the ball, cover plenty of territory while locating the ball to break up an incoming pass.
There may be some concerns about Taylor’s long speed and the cushion he’ll sometimes afford opposing receivers, but this shouldn’t prevent him from possibly becoming a solid starter with quality coaching. With safety being one are where the Jets should be looking to add depth, Taylor should be in play.