The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Taylor has a home with the Browns after three years with the Dolphins
Jamar Taylor
POSITION » Cornerback HEIGHT, WEIGHT » 5-foot-11, 192 BIRTHDATE » Sept. 29, 1990 YEARS PRO » Fifth season COLLEGE » Boise State RANKING » 15th of 25
TAYLOR’S BACKGROUND » Jamar Taylor is a classic example of how a change of scenery can save a player’s career.
Taylor was a secondround draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2013 — pick 54 overall.
He played in nine games without a start as a rookie and in 24 games over the next two seasons.
The Dolphins gave up on Taylor and on April 30, 2016, traded him plus the 250th pick in the draft that year to the Browns for the 223rd pick. Advantage, Browns.
The 250th pick turned out to be linebacker Scooby Wright from Arizona.
Wright was eventually cut, but Taylor ended up starting 14 games for the Browns.
For the record, the Dolphins used the 223rd pick on quarterback Brandon Doughty from Western Kentucky.
Doughty is still on the Dolphins roster.
The Browns gave Taylor a three-year contract extension soon after the 2016 season ended.
“He’s an extremely hard worker and has shown true perseverance throughout
his NFL career,” said Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown. “His veteran presence and flexible skill set that allows him at nickel and corner has proved to be a valuable asset to our team.”
Taylor enjoys snowboarding in his spare time. WHY TAYLOR IS RANKED 15TH
» Taylor doesn’t get tested as often as left cornerback Joe Haden does, but he is an integral part of the defense as someone who can play the right cornerback and slot. The Browns’ decision to give him contract extension is proof he is in their plans for a time when they hope to be competitive.
2016 RECAP » Taylor played in 15 games and made 14 starts. He tied for the Browns team lead with Briean Boddy-Calhoun with three interceptions and led the secondary with 57 tackles. He broke up 13 passes, also best on the team. Taylor earned Most Improved Player from Pro Football Focus for the turn around from his final year in Miami to his first year with the Browns. He was ranked 106th by PFF in 2015 and 19th last year. WHY TAYLOR IS IMPORTANT TO 2017 » One reason Taylor was more successful last season than he was in Miami is he played about one third of his snaps covering the slot receiver as the nickel back. He played nickel only five percent of the time with the Dolphins.
The Browns are counting on him to take on more of a leadership role this season.
“He’s pretty soft-spoken so he really doesn’t say a whole lot,” defensive backs coach DeWayne Walker said. “At the same time, you can just see his leadership through his work ethic.”
PREDICTION FOR 2017 » Taylor is in a different system with Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator, but his role in coverage won’t change much. He had enough sustained success last year that at 26 he should be in the prime of his career.