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Early signs point to Taylor Mays, S, USC?

I don't think that Mays is the guy for us. Reminds me too much of Roy Williams. He has the measurables, and is very good in run support but I do not think he could play FS and we have Pollard at SS.
 
gtexan02 said:
Kipers new big board came out today and Mays is listed #19, right where we're sitting.

With a need at DB and Berry and Haden doomed to be gone in the top 10, Mays looks to be our imperfect fit. He knows the scheme and has good history with Cushing, so maybe he would revert back to his previous seasons form of a top 5 projected DB.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft10/insider/news/story?id=4801024
Click to expand...
I was an early fan of Mays but he had an off year. Some say it was because his supporting staff from last year were not on the field. I am leaning towards a pick with somewhat less uncertainity attached. I'm looking at free safeties Akwasi Owusu-Ansah from Indiana or Robert Johnson Utah in 4th round.
 
Mays' physical gifts are off the charts.

His instincts are immeasurable. No seriously, they're not there to measure. :choke:
 
gtexan02 said:
Kipers new big board came out today and Mays is listed #19, right where we're sitting.

With a need at DB and Berry and Haden doomed to be gone in the top 10, Mays looks to be our imperfect fit. He knows the scheme and has good history with Cushing, so maybe he would revert back to his previous seasons form of a top 5 projected DB.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft10/insider/news/story?id=4801024
Click to expand...


Just because he's listed as the #19 player doesn't mean we're going to take him at that spot. They're just ranked according to Kipers opinion of value and doesn't account for team needs. Mays will be a terrible FS but might be a decent SS, but we've already got Pollard there. Mays best value would be as a WLB, I think he'd be great there. He'd be a terrible fit for Houston.
 
Mays looked like everything a team would want in a safety last off season. He should have come out in the draft and he totally screwed himself out of a ton of cash. This year he exposed a lot of his weaknesses as a player in coverage and has turned a ton of NFL scouts off. As much as I want a safety for the Texans more than any other position in the first round, Mays is not the guy we should be targeting. TO many potential question marks and weaknesses that he currently has as a player. I don't even think he'll be a first rounder at this point honestly. I'd much rather trade up for Eric Berry but I know we won't do that, so Earl Thomas would not be a bad guy to go after in my opinion. He's young, but he's damn good and should be a pretty good NFL player.
 
Taylor could impress a team like say da raiders, aka Al Davis making this discussion mute. You can absoultely make or break your draft with a USC prospect, very tough to evaluate with so much elite talent in a pro system.
I think he could be in play 8-19 which is a broad range but its just too early to narrow down, lets revisit this during Senior Bowl practices & combine.
 
Mays, to me, is like a more athletic Bernard Pollard. I just don't see us having two safeties that are pretty much the same type of player. We need a safety that can match up with slot receivers in the slot if need be, not an enforcer.
 
Could someone post the full list please? I don't have insider, but I'm really interested in seeing the whole list past #5.
 
I doubt we look at him too much. Rumor is he's more of an athlete than a football player. I think Kubiak and Smith want guys that a true football players, even if the have to lack some of the measurables.
 
TexansSeminole said:
I just don't see us having two safeties that are pretty much the same type of player.
Click to expand...
Not calling you out here but my god, how many times have you read the phrase "interchangeable safeties" when refering to this D? On this board?



Ole Miss Texan said:
I doubt we look at him too much. Rumor is he's more of an athlete than a football player. I think Kubiak and Smith want guys that a true football players, even if the have to lack some of the measurables.
Click to expand...

Same rumors about Cushing last year. Just throwing that in.
 
Texecutioner said:
Mays looked like everything a team would want in a safety last off season. He should have come out in the draft and he totally screwed himself out of a ton of cash. This year he exposed a lot of his weaknesses as a player in coverage and has turned a ton of NFL scouts off. As much as I want a safety for the Texans more than any other position in the first round, Mays is not the guy we should be targeting. TO many potential question marks and weaknesses that he currently has as a player. I don't even think he'll be a first rounder at this point honestly. I'd much rather trade up for Eric Berry but I know we won't do that, so Earl Thomas would not be a bad guy to go after in my opinion. He's young, but he's damn good and should be a pretty good NFL player.
Click to expand...
Where do you see Thomas slotted if he comes out? Maybe he will commit tomorrow.
 
Texecutioner said:
Mays looked like everything a team would want in a safety last off season. He should have come out in the draft and he totally screwed himself out of a ton of cash. This year he exposed a lot of his weaknesses as a player in coverage and has turned a ton of NFL scouts off. As much as I want a safety for the Texans more than any other position in the first round, Mays is not the guy we should be targeting. TO many potential question marks and weaknesses that he currently has as a player. I don't even think he'll be a first rounder at this point honestly. I'd much rather trade up for Eric Berry but I know we won't do that, so Earl Thomas would not be a bad guy to go after in my opinion. He's young, but he's damn good and should be a pretty good NFL player.
Click to expand...

Reminds me alot of Willie Moore from Mizzou a couple years ago. But he dropped a hell of alot more.
 
TimeKiller said:
Same rumors about Cushing last year. Just throwing that in.
Click to expand...
I view Cushing and Mays completely differently though. Mays is much more of a natural physical freak than Cushing (who I view more of a blue collar weightlifter type). I didn't have any doubts Cushing could play football, my concern was that he'd be out injured a lot. I have doubts about Mays being able to be a 'cover' safety in the nfl.
 
Mari-OWNED! said:
Could someone post the full list please? I don't have insider, but I'm really interested in seeing the whole list past #5.
Click to expand...

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft10/insider/news/story?id=4801024
A lot of movement this week. A couple of guys are back in -- now that they're locks to jump as juniors -- in Jahvid Best and Arrelious Benn. Then, closer to the top, we also have upward movement by the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul (look for my piece on Monday about Bowl risers and fallers) as well as Joe Haden, who is head and shoulders the top CB in this group right now.
Florida had a couple of other players rise, and Taylor Mays continues to drop. We expect great things from him in workouts but, as we discussed before, we also assumed greatness there. Some movement as well in my top players at each position, so check those out as well.

1. Ndamukong Suh
Analysis: Explosive, relentless and consistent. Last week: No. 1
2. Gerald McCoy
Analysis: Disruptive force. Productive NFL career ahead. Last week: No. 2
3. Eric Berry
Analysis: Ultimate playmaker, in the Ed Reed mold. Last week: No. 3
4. Jimmy Clausen
Analysis: Improved through adversity, has under-center experience. Last week: No. 4
5. Sam Bradford
Analysis: Has underrated arm, great feel for position, is super-accurate. Last week: No. 5
6. Joe Haden
Analysis: Polished cover corner with tackling ability to match. Last week: No. 7
7. Russell Okung
Analysis: Athletic, strong and fiery blindside pass-protector. Last week: No. 6
8. Derrick Morgan
Analysis: Proven pass-rusher, stout versus run. Very productive. Last week: No. 8
9. Dez Bryant
Analysis: Dynamic receiver, punt returner and TD maker. Last week: No. 9
10. Rolando McClain
Analysis: Fiery, vocal team leader with top instincts for position. Last week: No. 11
11. Jason Pierre-Paul
Analysis: Explosive, natural pass-rusher out of juco ranks. Last week: No. 12
12. Brian Price
Analysis: Powerful leverage guy who wreaks havoc. Last week: No. 10
13. C.J. Spiller
Analysis: Multitalented, super-fast, electrifying game-breaker. Last week: No. 14
14. Carlos Dunlap
Analysis: Physical tools are off the charts. Has unlimited upside. Last week: No. 17
15. Aaron Hernandez
Analysis: Great hands and excellent run-after-catch skills for a TE. Last week: No. 19
16. Everson Griffen
Analysis: Supremely talented, now gaining the necessary consistency. Last week: No. 16
17. Dan Williams
Analysis: High motor, consistent, tremendously powerful lower body. Last week: No. 18
18. Anthony Davis
Analysis: Gifted physically, quick feet and still improving. Last week: 15
19. Taylor Mays
Analysis: Has linebacker size with cornerback speed. Last week: No. 13
20. Brandon Graham
Analysis: Awesome athlete and force off the edge. Last week: No. 19
21. Sergio Kindle
Analysis: Production finally matches his talent. Last week: No. 21
22. Jermaine Gresham
Analysis: The best pass-catching tight end in college football. Last week: No. 22
23. Jahvid Best
Analysis: Versatile; home run threat on every play. Last week: No. NR
24. Arrelious Benn
Analysis: Silky-smooth but physical playmaker. Great RAC threat. Last week: No. NR
25. Patrick Robinson
Analysis: Consistent, even in a tough year. Best overall senior CB. Last week: 25
 
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Ole Miss Texan said:
I view Cushing and Mays completely differently though. Mays is much more of a natural physical freak than Cushing (who I view more of a blue collar weightlifter type). I didn't have any doubts Cushing could play football, my concern was that he'd be out injured a lot. I have doubts about Mays being able to be a 'cover' safety in the nfl.
Click to expand...

I like to see Mays as an OLB covering Dallas Clark . I'd also love to see him in a collision with Chris Johnson or containing VY .
 
Many people were really disheartened last year when Mays decided not to declare.
He was an excellent ballhawk his junior year, what has changed?

Did he have a bad year, or was he "exposed"?
Why wasn't he exposed during his frst 3 seasons?

Statistically he seems to have done quite well this season.


I seem to remember everyone dumping on Delmas this past draft because he had a bad year and was exposed. He fell to the 2nd round, and had an excellent rookie year, playing so well some thought he should have at least gotten votes as DROY
 
gtexan02 said:
Many people were really disheartened last year when Mays decided not to declare.
He was an excellent ballhawk his junior year, what has changed?

Did he have a bad year, or was he "exposed"?
Why wasn't he exposed during his frst 3 seasons?

Statistically he seems to have done quite well this season.


I seem to remember everyone dumping on Delmas this past draft because he had a bad year and was exposed. He fell to the 2nd round, and had an excellent rookie year, playing so well some thought he should have at least gotten votes as DROY
Click to expand...

Can you be to big to play safety ?

I guess he reminds me of Patrick Bates or Joey Browner .
 
Thomas has come out of no where & wasn't even in the convo until this past year. In addition to this, he's too small & needs to gain at least 10-15 more pounds.
In contrast, Mays has been balling since he set foot on USC as a freshman. All the scrutiny about his game comes on the heels of him losing 9 of his beast teammates from a year ago including our very own Brian Cushing. He also missed a little time this year with a knee injury.

If Mays is on the board & we don't take him I'm gonna be pissed......................Unless we move up to snatch eric berry or draft Chad Jones later in the draft.
 
gtexan02 said:
Many people were really disheartened last year when Mays decided not to declare.
He was an excellent ballhawk his junior year, what has changed?

Did he have a bad year, or was he "exposed"?
Why wasn't he exposed during his frst 3 seasons?

Statistically he seems to have done quite well this season.
Click to expand...

Here are the stats I found at ESPN. http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/gamelog?playerId=183232

2006: 3 Interceptions, 3 Pass Deflections, 13 Games Played
2007: 1 Interception, 6 Pass Deflections, 13 Games Played
2008: 0 Interceptions, 9 Pass Deflections, 13 Games Played
2009: 1 Interception, 3 Pass Deflections, 11 Games Played

The last 3 years he has 2 Interceptions in 37 game.

The safety position is one I'm usually pretty quick to jump on the bandwagon for. I would love to get an Ed Reed / Troy Polamalu type of guy. I liked Laron Landry, Reggie Nelson, Kenny Phillips, Taylor Mays, Eric Berry, etc. I was pretty excited about Mays last year. But I think there's a lot more hype/buzz surrounding the big name safeties that doesn't always measure up.

The safety position is WAY too hard to pay attention to while watching TV. The camera rarely shows what the S is doing pre snap and during the play... until right when they break up the pass, make a tackle or the WR leaves them in the dust.

All of Mays' highlights are of big hits. I don't even see him wrap up like a LB would but just hit really hard with his shoulder. I will say an arguement in Mays defense (that I am even probably guilty of) include (i) the style of defense, he plays far back and make sure nobody gets past him, (ii) teams rarely throw his way so he can't accumulate stats, (iii) i'm sure there are more.

Also, I'm a huge believer that the stat sheet only tells a fraction of the story. There is just no way to tell which player is better than the other just from their stats. So I always take them with a grain of salt... and a shot of tequila. ;)
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
Here are the stats I found at ESPN. http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/gamelog?playerId=183232

2006: 3 Interceptions, 3 Pass Deflections, 13 Games Played
2007: 1 Interception, 6 Pass Deflections, 13 Games Played
2008: 0 Interceptions, 9 Pass Deflections, 13 Games Played
2009: 1 Interception, 3 Pass Deflections, 11 Games Played

The last 3 years he has 2 Interceptions in 37 game.

The safety position is one I'm usually pretty quick to jump on the bandwagon for. I would love to get an Ed Reed / Troy Polamalu type of guy. I liked Laron Landry, Reggie Nelson, Kenny Phillips, Taylor Mays, Eric Berry, etc. I was pretty excited about Mays last year. But I think there's a lot more hype/buzz surrounding the big name safeties that doesn't always measure up.

The safety position is WAY too hard to pay attention to while watching TV. The camera rarely shows what the S is doing pre snap and during the play... until right when they break up the pass, make a tackle or the WR leaves them in the dust.

All of Mays' highlights are of big hits. I don't even see him wrap up like a LB would but just hit really hard with his shoulder. I will say an arguement in Mays defense (that I am even probably guilty of) include (i) the style of defense, he plays far back and make sure nobody gets past him, (ii) teams rarely throw his way so he can't accumulate stats, (iii) i'm sure there are more.

Also, I'm a huge believer that the stat sheet only tells a fraction of the story. There is just no way to tell which player is better than the other just from their stats. So I always take them with a grain of salt... and a shot of tequila. ;)
Click to expand...

Troy Polamalu @ USC stats; LINK:
TAC LS/YDS DFL FR INT YDS AVG TD LG
12 2/28 2# 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
83 5/10 7 1 2 43 21.5 1 43
118 13/24 9## 1 3 116 38.7 2 58
68 9/44 4 0 1 33 33.0 0 33
#Includes 1 blocked punt
##Includes 3 blocked punts
###Includes 4 blocked punts

6 picks in 4 years. 17 deflected passes including 4 blocked punts
 
PapaL said:
Troy Polamalu @ USC stats; LINK:
TAC LS/YDS DFL FR INT YDS AVG TD LG
12 2/28 2# 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
83 5/10 7 1 2 43 21.5 1 43
118 13/24 9## 1 3 116 38.7 2 58
68 9/44 4 0 1 33 33.0 0 33
#Includes 1 blocked punt
##Includes 3 blocked punts
###Includes 4 blocked punts

6 picks in 4 years. 17 deflected passes including 4 blocked punts
Click to expand...

very comparable, except for the blocked punts...
 
When evaluating Mays stats one must take into consideration how he is used at USC. Pete Carroll runs a 4-3 Under and in this formation Mays is often used in run support.
 
gtexan02 said:
Many people were really disheartened last year when Mays decided not to declare.
He was an excellent ballhawk his junior year, what has changed?
Click to expand...
I'm not on either side of this fence, but there were concerns for his instincts/ball playing ability last year, despite all the hype. You can go back through the threads and see it.

I think it's just a bit more magnified this year with another year of observation and possibly better prospects available.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
Here are the stats I found at ESPN. http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/gamelog?playerId=183232

2006: 3 Interceptions, 3 Pass Deflections, 13 Games Played
2007: 1 Interception, 6 Pass Deflections, 13 Games Played
2008: 0 Interceptions, 9 Pass Deflections, 13 Games Played
2009: 1 Interception, 3 Pass Deflections, 11 Games Played

The last 3 years he has 2 Interceptions in 37 game.

;)
Click to expand...

He is over hyped. He is not a ball hawk and he does not know how to wrap up when he tackles. He takes bad angles.

He was exposed this season. He is Roy Williams.
 
Well, if Kiper says it, it's absolutely guaranteed......................to be wrong!

No offense to the OP or the thread in general, but Kiper's the worst at what he does. Personally, I find it hard to believe he still has a job doing draft analysis. Actually, screw everything espn says.
 
I have a feeling there will be more and more talk of Mays converting to LB because of his size. Honestly, if we take him at 19, I'd be a little miffed, but at least they drafted a safety. I'd much rather have a few other players who are more ballhawking than Mays has shown to be in his 4 year career at USC.
 
b0ng said:
I have a feeling there will be more and more talk of Mays converting to LB because of his size. Honestly, if we take him at 19, I'd be a little miffed, but at least they drafted a safety. I'd much rather have a few other players who are more ballhawking than Mays has shown to be in his 4 year career at USC.
Click to expand...

Dude runs from about mid 4.3 to mid 4.4 in the 40 & that's plenty fast for a FS. but aside from that, how ball hawking can you be when your coach has u playing 20 yds off the LOS?
 
Mr teX said:
Thomas has come out of no where & wasn't even in the convo until this past year. In addition to this, he's too small & needs to gain at least 10-15 more pounds.
In contrast, Mays has been balling since he set foot on USC as a freshman. All the scrutiny about his game comes on the heels of him losing 9 of his beast teammates from a year ago including our very own Brian Cushing. He also missed a little time this year with a knee injury.

If Mays is on the board & we don't take him I'm gonna be pissed......................Unless we move up to snatch eric berry or draft Chad Jones later in the draft.
Click to expand...

Don't really see how Thomas came out of nowhere. He was a Freshman All American last year and is still only a sophomore. Thomas can play CB or FS in the NFL, much like former Texas great Michael Griffin.
 
bah007 said:
Don't really see how Thomas came out of nowhere. He was a Freshman All American last year and is still only a sophomore. Thomas can play CB or FS in the NFL, much like former Texas great Michael Griffin.
Click to expand...

ohh....Funny, i don't recall hearing anything about that dude until this year. But in any event, my opinion of him changes slightly..still think he needs to put on some weight though.
 
Mr teX said:
ohh....Funny, i don't recall hearing anything about that dude until this year. But in any event, my opinion of him changes slightly..still think he needs to put on some weight though.
Click to expand...

We agree here. If he wants to play FS in the NFL then I think he should come back for another year and put on some weight. If he is fine playing CB, then he could go pro now and he would still be a first rounder.
 
b0ng said:
I have a feeling there will be more and more talk of Mays converting to LB because of his size. Honestly, if we take him at 19, I'd be a little miffed, but at least they drafted a safety. I'd much rather have a few other players who are more ballhawking than Mays has shown to be in his 4 year career at USC.
Click to expand...


I actually brought this subject up before last years draft.

mussop said:
This got me thinking :thinking: with Mays size and speed could he play some LB? I mean if the main negative on him is that hes not a ballhawk, why not move him down to LB. Seems like an easier transition than going from LB to safety (if you have the size). Could you imagine having a OLB with 4.3 speed.



To bad he probably wont be there when we pick.
Click to expand...

I wouldnt touch him in round one. I would consider him in round two as a project OLB just because of his physical abilities.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
I view Cushing and Mays completely differently though. Mays is much more of a natural physical freak than Cushing (who I view more of a blue collar weightlifter type). I didn't have any doubts Cushing could play football, my concern was that he'd be out injured a lot. I have doubts about Mays being able to be a 'cover' safety in the nfl.
Click to expand...

This. Mays is a SS type. I think if paired with a true ball hawk coverage guy, Mays will be very good. He is very far from a FS though. We could draft him to play WLB.
 
gtexan02 said:
Many people were really disheartened last year when Mays decided not to declare.
He was an excellent ballhawk his junior year, what has changed?

Did he have a bad year, or was he "exposed"?
Why wasn't he exposed during his frst 3 seasons?
Statistically he seems to have done quite well this season.


I seem to remember everyone dumping on Delmas this past draft because he had a bad year and was exposed. He fell to the 2nd round, and had an excellent rookie year, playing so well some thought he should have at least gotten votes as DROY
Click to expand...

He had alot of linebacker talent in the front 7. Rivers, Maluga, Cushing, Matthews, ect... Even their back-ups are NFL LB's. When those guys were gone, he was in coverage alot more and longer.
 
Mr teX said:
Dude runs from about mid 4.3 to mid 4.4 in the 40 & that's plenty fast for a FS. but aside from that, how ball hawking can you be when your coach has u playing 20 yds off the LOS?
Click to expand...
Quickness is more important for a S than speed. Their ability to diagnose the play and change directions is what separates the good safeties from the bad. From what I've been reading from the 'drafniks', Mays has great track speed but his ability to change directions quickly and close on the ball are subpar. A ball hawk has the quickness and hands to catch the ball, neither of which I can tell that Mays has.
BigBull17 said:
This. Mays is a SS type. I think if paired with a true ball hawk coverage guy, Mays will be very good. He is very far from a FS though. We could draft him to play WLB.
Click to expand...
Moving him to WLB is a popular belief among a lot people (or having him as a SS). This indicates to me we won't be drafting him.

Using a 1st rd pick to convert him to a new position and replace Zac Diles? No thanks.
Using a 1st rd pick to replace Bernard Pollard? No thanks.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
Using a 1st rd pick to convert him to a new position and replace Zac Diles? No thanks.
Using a 1st rd pick to replace Bernard Pollard? No thanks.
Click to expand...

I completely agree. Those are 2 guys who do not need replacing in the near future. There are way bigger holes on this roster to fill first.
 
i remember watching the penn st/usc game last year. i remember it only because of this. mays and pollard in the backfield would be ridiculously fun to watch.
 
Cushing had 177 tackles and 1 INT in 4 years starting at USC. This year he had 134 tackles and 4 INTs.

Ive found taht college stats, particular INTs, don't translate that well since the game is so differnet.

I think Mays will be an above average safety from what Ive seen. Just like one year shouldn't make a player, one year shouldn't break ag uy either.
 
Mr teX said:
Dude runs from about mid 4.3 to mid 4.4 in the 40 & that's plenty fast for a FS. but aside from that, how ball hawking can you be when your coach has u playing 20 yds off the LOS?
Click to expand...

If you're 20 yards off the LOS wouldn't that mean that you are defending the deep ball often? The USC games I've seen Mays is like a center fielder. He bats down passes when he can (Not too terribly often) and tries to lay people out, that's it.

If anything though Taylor Mays has "AL DAVIS" written all over him, so it'll probably be a moot point by the time draft time rolls around.

EDIT: I've thought this about Mays since last year when everybody was all over him for being a great safety. If you watch him play, he would rather get a a big hit than an INT, which tells me that he will need some coaching or a position change if he were to come to the Texans to be a FS (Because Bernard Pollard is the SS of the future).
 
beerlover said:
Taylor could impress a team like say da raiders, aka Al Davis making this discussion mute. You can absoultely make or break your draft with a USC prospect, very tough to evaluate with so much elite talent in a pro system.
I think he could be in play 8-19 which is a broad range but its just too early to narrow down, lets revisit this during Senior Bowl practices & combine.
Click to expand...

And after all the underclassmen declare ..... thats gonna shake up a whole lotta stuff.
 
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