Scouts leaving USC's campus are shaking their heads in amazement after viewing safety Taylor Mays' sensational skills in person. Mays' game is so unique, even the most astute evaluators are awestruck by his immense talent.
Given the rarity of such a talent manning the position, many scouts are pondering a question: Can Mays become the first safety ever drafted with the top overall pick?
Mays, a four-year starter and two-time All-American, has earned rave reviews for his outstanding playmaking ability as a pass defender and as a teeth-rattling hitter. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, he brings the intimidating presence that most defensive coordinators crave in the middle of the field. His blazing speed (reportedly runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash) makes him a rare athlete at the position. Mays' combination of skills and measurables have been the buzz in scouting circles for the past few years.
Safeties with the ability to play effectively against the run and pass are rare commodities, and those who also bring exceptional size to the position earn regal status in the draft. While no safety has ever been plucked with the No. 1 overall pick, several "big" safeties have come off the board within the top 10 selections. Eric Turner (No. 2 by the Browns in 1991), Roy Williams (No. 8 by the Cowboys in 2002) and Sean Taylor (No. 5 by the Redskins in 2004) were all top-10 picks.
That exceptional trio amassed a number of Pro Bowl appearances during their respective careers. Bigger safeties often have a tougher time matching up in space and are routinely exploited when forced to cover receivers in one-on-one situations. Therefore, most are restricted to serving as "box-area" defenders in most schemes.
However, Mays' superior skill has even the most cynical of evaluators trumpeting his potential as an instant impact player as a pro and has defensive coordinators salivating at the possibilitiy of adding such a unique talent to the mix.
Whether that results in Mays emerging as the No. 1 overall pick is unknown, but he has definitely thrust himself into the conversation as a viable candidate.
