Cardinals Acquire Cornerback Jamar Taylor from Browns
By Thomas Clark
On Friday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Arizona Cardinals are acquiring cornerback Jamar Taylor from the Cleveland Browns for a sixth round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Cleveland Browns were ready to move on from cornerback Jamar Taylor after drafting cornerback Denzel Ward with the fourth overall selection in April’s NFL Draft. For the Arizona Cardinals, they get much needed experience in a secondary void of it.
The 27-year-old Taylor has started 29 games over the past two seasons, far outweighing any cornerback option for the Cardinals, outside of Patrick Peterson. While Taylor only has three career interceptions, he should prove to be a solid addition, especially in run support.
Over the past two seasons, his only in Cleveland, Taylor was able to rack up over fifty total tackles in each season. Taylor’s breakout season came when he moved to Cleveland after three lackluster years in Miami.
In 2016, Taylor proved to be a solid starting cornerback for the Browns. Taylor posted career highs in tackles, passes defended, and interceptions. Taylor managed to pick off all three of his career interceptions in 2016, and could be poised for another breakout year in Arizona.
Lining up across from Patrick Peterson, Taylor will likely see a lot of balls thrown his way. If pass rushers Markus Golden and Chandler Jones can continue to live up to their billing in Arizona’s newly transitioned 4-3 defense, Taylor could be the benefactor.
At 5-11, 192 pounds, Taylor has ideal size for today’s NFL corner. Taylor has great length, and is a willing run defender. If he can take advantage of playing across from one of the game’s greatest cover men, he should have plenty of opportunities to take the ball away.
For Arizona, this is a no-risk high-reward move. If Taylor can continue to serve as a dependable starter, he will be well worth the sixth round pick.
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If not, Steve Keim only lost a low level draft pick. In the end, Taylor may not light up the field this year, but he could make an immediate impact for a Cardinals’ team in need of secondary help.