Taylor Decker NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Lions Rookie

POSITIVES

The 2015 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, Taylor Decker has been mentioned as a potential first-round pick after his fantastic 2014 season as a junior. A three-year starter, Decker started 42 times at Ohio State and finished his career as a co-captain.

A natural left tackle, Decker spent the last two seasons manning the blindside at Ohio State. He has the height and hand size (10”) teams go crazy for. Decker impresses on film as an easy, balanced mover with the strength to get physical and become a bully.

His toughness traits in the run game are some of the best of any offensive lineman in the entire class. Whether it’s a power scheme or a zone-blocking system, Decker has the strength and athleticism to be a fit. The Ohio State offense loved down blocks, and Decker was deadly there.

Playing with three different quarterbacks behind him, Decker had to be consistent in his steps and footwork to match whatever type of offense they were playing. With Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett, he had to be prepared for scrambling, but with Cardale Jones, it was more five-step drops and downfield passing.

Decker excelled with them all because of his natural, fluid pass sets. He’s poised and in control as rushers try to get into his space and cross him up.

Decker may not have flashy athletic testing numbers, but his pro-readiness is high, and he brings big upside to the table as a technician on the left side.

NEGATIVES

Decker is not without his flaws, but they’re more of the fundamental type and not a physical limitation. That’s good news for his next team.

The first fix Decker must make is adjusting his pad height in pass protection. He’s often playing straight-up with a stiff back. That works for some tackles, but you’d like to see more knee bend and a little more spring in his step. Making that fix will allow Decker to better lock out his arms and control defenders with leverage and power.

Some may look at his movement skills and see a right tackle, which would require re-learning a completely new position while working on existing technique issues. If that’s the route his NFL career goes, Decker will have to learn to take his pass sets opposite of how he’s been doing them the last two seasons.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 310 lbs.

40 Time: 5.23s

Arm Length: 33 ¾"

3-Cone: 7.70s

Short Shuttle: 4.76s

PRO COMPARISON: Nate Solder, New England Patriots
FINAL GRADE: 6.99/9.00 (Round 2—Rookie Starter)