Brandon

Taylor

Taylor is an in-the-box thumping defensive back at 5-foot-11 and 209 pounds with 4.54 wheels. Much more a strong safety than free, Taylor spent most of his college career in the box while the likes of Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson, and Mo Claiborne patrolled the back end. Taylor only had four career interceptions in 33 starts. He does address a need position in San Diego.

The Chargers wanted to trade up for Mark Barron on the draft’s first day, but settled for a small move up the board to secure Taylor on day two. A thumping, “box” safety who draws high marks for football IQ and sure tackling, Taylor figures to open the season as San Diego’s starter adjacent FS Eric Weddle.

Smith ended up moving up only five spots because the price tag was too high in the top 10 picks of the round. "(Taylor) can run support. He’s extremely competitive,” said Smith. “He’s football smart. He’s aggressive. He’s not a cautious guy. I just like his overall game.” Taylor will be in the mix to start at strong safety as a rookie.

Taylor is about six months removed from his knee reconstruction. Last year’s third-round pick, Taylor hasn’t been taking part in team drills but hopes to at some point during training camp. He’s in the mix to start next to Eric Weddle.

Taylor made his first career start in Sunday’s Week 16 win over the Jets and promptly blew out the knee ligament. A third-round pick out of LSU, Taylor should remain a part of the Chargers’ 2013 plans as a special teamer and potential third safety. His status for training camp next summer will be in doubt, though.

The Chargers are going to use the final two games as an evaluation for Taylor, who will be making his first career start. The third-round pick replaces Corey Lynch as a “box” safety next to Eric Weddle.

Taylor tore his ACL in December and had surgery in January. He’s “tentatively” expected to be ready for Week 1, although Taylor’s training camp status is unknown. The Chargers can’t count on Taylor to open the year as a starter.

It’s optimistic. Taylor was the No. 73 pick in last year’s draft, but he played in just four games as a rookie before tearing his ACL in late December. He spent most of his time as an in-the-box safety at LSU. Taylor is questionable for training camp due to his knee, and it could cost him a shot at winning the job.

Taylor didn’t have his knee reconstructed until January, giving him just seven months to rehab and recover before camp. The Chargers are auditioning former slot CB Marcus Gilchrist at strong safety in the meantime. Eric Weddle remains locked in at free safety, but the other position is wide open to competition.

The Chargers’ 2012 third-round pick, Taylor tore his ACL last December. He can now begin pushing Marcus Gilchrist to start at strong safety. In all likelihood, Gilchrist will take the job and Taylor will play on special teams.