Ourlads' Profile:
2026 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about MICHAEL TAAFFE:
Texas | Hometown: Austin, TX | HT: 5115 | WT: 192 | 40 time: 4.50 | Hand: 0914 | Arm: 2912 | Wing: 7214
Four-year starter. Former walk-on who became a two-time All-America selection the past two seasons and 35-game starter over his career at Texas. Named the 2025 Wuerffel Trophy winner. Veteran leader of the defense who makes adjustments across the board. Notable athleticism; change-of-direction skills and agility are on display when maneuvering around the field. Quick to transition from bail and drive downhill. More than willing to fill lanes on the interior with his aggressive demeanor to force ball carriers to bounce. Decent shed to stack blocking receivers and some tight ends. Pounces on running backs to tackle and mitigate yardage. Very intelligent and patient in pass coverage, and will not commit before identifying the concept. Displays impressive range and recognition skills from one-high safety to attack vertical routes over the top. Leverages multiple targets underneath and reads quarterback intentions to break on and undercut passes. Tough in catch-man, shows no hesitancies when jamming receivers, and has a good feel for spacing. Mirrors tight ends across the field, and sufficient speed to carry receivers downfield. Despite low ball production his senior year, he has demonstrated the ability to break up passes with violent punches and hard hits. High-effort player who shows up all over the field. Impact player on special teams. Can get pushed around in the box and needs to find ways to get around linemen and other blockers. Bigger tight ends can drive him back in the run game. Angles towards the sideline need improvement. Tackling technique needs work, especially wrapping up ball carriers. Leaves his feet when tackling in space causing him to miss. Needs to lower his pad level on tackles to prevent significant yards-after-contact.
2025 Stats: 70 T, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PBU, 2 INT. OSR:14/15. Draft projection: 3rd/4th round