Green Bay Packers 2017 Draft: Interview with Western Kentucky wide receiver Taywan Taylor

There are very few players that have helped their draft stock more in the pre-draft evaluation process than Taywan Taylor. Coming off a very productive collegiate career, the former Western Kentucky wideout solidified himself as one of the top receiver prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft with strong performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.

Taylor’s breakout season at Western Kentucky came his junior year in 2015 where he recorded 86 receptions for 1467 yards and 17 touchdowns. This put him on the national map, but it was his impressive senior season that established him as one of the top receivers in the nation.

Finishing in the top-five in the FBS in all major receiving categories, Taylor tallied 98 receptions, 1730 yards, and 17 touchdowns in 2016. He left WKU as one of the school’s most productive players in school history.

Taylor is a versatile offensive weapon with an ability to make plays downfield or out of the slot. With strong workout numbers, impressive film, and plenty of college production, Taylor should get early-round considerations from teams in the draft this spring.

To learn more about Taylor’s game and his preparations for the draft, as well as his thoughts about potentially playing for a team like the Packers, I recently sat down and spoke with Taylor. He was kind enough to take the time to answer my questions.

Q. At Western Kentucky, you had a lot of success and production. You hold several receiving school records. What did your time at WKU mean to you?

Taylor: It was the best decision of my life to go to Western. Coming out of high school I was a zero star recruit. I didn’t have too many offers. I did have some interest from Colorado State, but I was hoping to play for my hometown school, Louisville. However, when that didn’t work out Coach Petrino called me and let me know he was going to Western Kentucky and they had a scholarship offer for me there. When I visited Western, I fell in love with the school. The support I had there was great. I wanted to be remembered at that school.

Q. You had a strong 2015 season, but you really garnered a lot of national attention with your 2016 production, recording 98 receptions for 1730 yards and 17 touchdowns. What were you able to this past season to make your game stand out?

Taylor: I knew being a senior this past season I was going to have to play a bigger role on the team. We also lost a lot of talent last spring. I went into the season knowing I’m going to have to pay attention to the small details and just work on becoming a better all-around player. Prior to the 2016 season, I spent a lot of extra time in the offseason in the gym and film room to perfect my craft and just work on the little things.

I worked on sharpening my routes and cuts, as well as my blocking and reads. I tried to work on having a better understanding of the game. I wanted to prove that I can be that go-to guy on offense, and I think I did just that last season. It was our quarterback’s first year in the offense, so I really tried to help him out and let him know I’m there for him. I feel we really came together as a team.

Q. You had several big games in your collegiate career, but what was your breakout moment or game that showed everyone what you’re capable of on the field?

Taylor: Our second game of the seasons against Alabama was one of our biggest games. I looked at that game as a big opportunity for me because it would be on a national stage against one of the top teams in the country. It was a once in a lifetime game. I just wanted to go out there and help my team be successful and perform at a high level. I made several big catches in the game.

Q. For those that may not be familiar with your collegiate career, give us a brief scouting report on yourself. What type of receiver are you? What are your strengths at the position?

Taylor: I’m very competitive and I love a challenge. I can be any type of player an NFL team is looking for. I can be a deep threat, go across the middle, or I can play in the slot. I can even come out the backfield or run on reverses. My coaches knew I was a playmaker, so they just tried to get me the ball any way they could. I’ve been able to show how versatile I am my past two seasons at Western. I can impact the game in a variety of ways. Teams can put me anywhere and I can be a playmaker.

Q. You had a good week down in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. What were you able to accomplish down there and prove to scouts about your game?

Taylor: It was a great opportunity because like playing against Alabama I was playing against some of the best in the game. I felt I showed at the Senior Bowl how versatile I am. They lined me up in the slot or on the outside to go deep. I was able to showcase my athleticism and ability to put pressure on a defense with my speed. I also showed they can get the ball to me in any area of the field.

Q. You also performed well at the NFL Combine, putting up solid workout numbers in each drill. How were you able to continue to build on your draft momentum at the combine?

Taylor: Again, I think I was able to showcase my athleticism. Some people may have been skeptical about my speed and athleticism prior to the combine, so I just wanted to prove them wrong. I wanted to not just show that I’m fast, but I’m also explosive by doing well in the broad and the vert and that I have good lateral motion. I think it also allowed some people to gain some exposure to what I can do on the field as an athlete. My goal was to just stand out and get people’s attention. I’ve always been that guy who’s been looked over going all the way back to coming out of high school, so I try to just keep proving people wrong.

Q. This year’s draft has a pretty good wide receiver class. Where do you see yourself stacking up against your peers, and what do you think makes you stand out at the position?

Taylor: I feel like I can be one of the great ones. What separates me is I can be effective in multiple ways in the game, whether it’s coming out of the slot, going deep, taking reverses, or returning kicks. I feel I’m one of the more dynamic receivers in the class, and I can do a lot with the ball after the catch.

Q. The Green Bay Packers could always use another receiving weapon on offense, and we feel you’d be a nice fit with them in the draft. How would you feel about playing for a team like the Packers if it came to that?

Taylor: It would be a dream come true. They have one of the best, if not the best, fan bases in the NFL. I haven’t been to the city of Green Bay, but from what I’ve heard, it’s a great city. Also, to get the chance to play with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers I think would bring the best out of me. His competitiveness would just want me to play even harder. I want to just learn as much as I can being around a guy like Aaron and playing for a successful team like Green Bay. They’re known for winning. My style of play and my personality would fit well with them. I could definitely see myself playing for a team like the Packers.

Q. The Packers offense asks their receivers to play various spots on the field. Do you feel that is the type of offense you’d fit well in?

Taylor: Yeah, definitely. Rodgers is going to throw it to the guy who’s open, and he’s going to make all the guys better regardless of where they line up. I think I’d gel well with them.

Q. Regardless of who drafts you, what will that moment mean to you when you finally hear your name called and you know you’re going to be in the NFL?

Taylor: I won’t even be able to put it into words. It will be surreal. Just knowing where I came from and how hard I worked, to know it will all pay off for me will be a huge blessing. Growing up and watching football and the draft, and to now be in the same position as all of those guys, you can’t put that kind of thing into words. It’ll just be a testament to how hard I’ve worked and how much time I’ve put into my craft. Stepping on that football field in middle school was the best decision of my life.

Q. Once that moment arrives, who will be the first people you thank?

Taylor: First of all, I will thank God. I would have none of this without Him. I would also thank my mom and dad for pushing me to make something of my life. They’ve always been there through the ups and downs. They kept me humble but also picked me up during the tough times, which helped me grow. They constantly reminded me that there’s always going to be somebody out there working harder or getting better. I would also thank my college and high school coaches.

Q. Finally, before I let you go, when you’re away from football, what do you like to do in your free time?
Taylor: I’m a big gamer. I like to listen to music as well. Other than that, I just like to hang out with my friends and brothers and watch sports. I’m pretty much a laid back guy.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you the best of luck with everything.

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