Harrison Taggart is the modern prototype of a 'space-and-chase' linebacker NFL defenses seek to neutralize the modern passing game. His greatest asset is enviable closing speed, allowing him to patrol sideline-to-sideline with unusual mechanical efficiency for a player of his stature. He displays excellent eye discipline in read-option situations and an innate ability to navigate traffic at the second level without losing his pursuit angle. Although he primarily operates as a WILL linebacker, his physical frame suggests a high ceiling if he can add critical mass without sacrificing his linear explosiveness. At the next level, Taggart's value will reside in his versatility to play in zone-match coverage schemes and his potential as an immediate-impact special teamer. His main question mark is not his speed, but his play strength when offensive linemen get into his chest; he needs to develop more violent hands to stack-and-shed blocks. If he can refine his open-field tackling technique and improve his anchor against power run schemes, he has the ceiling of a consistent starter in a 4-2-5 defense. His current projection places him as a high-value rotational piece who will flourish in third-down situations.

1. 01

   Lateral range and hip fluidity

   Taggart possesses exceptional lateral mobility, allowing him to cover significant ground and react to sudden changes of direction. On tape, his fluid transition stands out when dropping into pass coverage, consistently maintaining eye level on the QB. This click-and-close ability is vital for limiting yards after catch on short routes.

2. 02

   Eye discipline and instinctive processing

   The player demonstrates advanced reading of offensive linemen's keys, enabling him to anticipate the run lane before the play develops. He rarely bites on play-action, maintaining his gap integrity with maturity. This tactical intelligence compensates for any lack of brute strength in BYU's schemes.

3. 03

   Open-field tackle radius

   His wingspan and explosiveness grant him a very wide action radius, allowing him to make tackles other LBs wouldn't reach. He uses his length well to wrap up ball carriers on the perimeter, minimizing missed tackles due to initial contact. He's a key defensive asset for containing outside zone or jet sweep schemes.

4. 04

   Man-to-man coverage ability

   Unlike many prospects in his class, Taggart is comfortable matched up with TEs or RBs out of the backfield. His ability to maintain leverage and his top-end speed allow him to stay in the receiver's hip pocket throughout the route stem. This versatility makes him a valuable asset for defensive coordinators who prefer not to substitute in passing situations.

1. 01

   Lack of anchor against heavy blocks

   Taggart struggles when interior linemen climb to the second level, getting displaced with relative ease on power schemes. He needs to improve his pad level and lower body strength to avoid being washed out in short-yardage situations. His NFL success will depend on how well he can protect himself behind a 0-tech or 1-tech DT. Tip.

2. 02

   Hand placement technique

   Currently relies too much on his speed to go around blocks instead of attacking the opponent's chest. In the NFL, linemen will latch on if he doesn't develop quicker, more violent hands to keep his chest clean. Refining his shedding technique is imperative to transition from a 'chase' player to a 'collision' player.

3. 03

   Need to add functional mass

   His current physical frame is somewhat lean for the rigors of a 17-game NFL season facing the run game. While his speed is elite, adding 10-15 pounds of muscle without losing his burst will be the primary challenge during his pre-draft process. There's a risk that, without this physical development, he'll be exclusively labeled as a third-down specialist.