Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor led the Hokies to three ACC titles in his four seasons, including capping this season with an 11-game winning streak. It makes sense then that Taylor is our ACC MVP and headlines our 2010 All-ACC team.[details]
Notes: Also played basketball as a prep. Highly recruited linebacker-fullback who played just four games as a senior because of a stress fracture in his back. Grew up in the village of Hog Hammock on Sapelo Island, a tiny (approximately 100 residents), remote location 15 miles off the coast of Georgia. Bailey commuted 45 minutes - by ferry, then by bus - to attend school. Spent nights sleeping at a teammate's house on the mainland during the season. Saw limited action, mostly on special teams, in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2007 and recorded four tackles without a tackle for loss or sack. Tore a pectoral muscle after '08 spring practice and sat out the season opener against Charleston Southern but started 4-of-13 games at left end and notched 24-9-5. In '09, started 8-of-13 games - five at left defensive tackle and three at right defensive end - and posted 34-11-7 with two batted passes and two forced fumbles. Started all 13 games at left defensive end in '10, although he moved inside on some third-down plays, and recorded 45-11-7 with one pass batted down. Team captain.
Positives: Has raw, brute, country strength and is chiseled like a Greek god. Physical marvel. Very strong at the point of attack and can set the edge, push the pocket and anchor vs. the double-team. Almost never gets knocked off the ball and has exceptional two-gap strength. Outstanding energy and effort - runs to the ball. Has a 36-inch vertical jump and good lower-body explosion. Strong tackler. Outstanding character. Highly motivated, hardworking and driven to succeed.
Negatives: Average instincts and awareness. Does not have an arsenal of pass-rush moves and relies too much on the bull rush. Too robotic and mechanical in his movement. Has a tendency to play very upright and struggles to unlock his hips. Lacks an innate feel for the game and is late to react to what he sees. Cannot create one-on-one. Can be more disciplined with his eyes.
Summary: A big, tightly wound, country-strong bookend whose lackluster Senior Bowl performance clearly emphasized a lack of instincts that could drive down his value. Nonetheless, is a physical marvel with rare strength and could be programmed to serve as a fencepost in an odd front. Scheme-diverse and has eventual starter potential as a base end, kicking inside in passing situations, or as a five-technique in a 3-4 front.
NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.
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