Darius Taylor, RB, Minnesota: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
|
|
Position |
Running Back (RB) |
|
Jersey Number |
#1 |
|
Class |
Senior |
|
School |
Minnesota |
|
Height / Weight |
6’0″ / 215 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Detroit, Mich. / Walled Lake Western HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Rushing Productivity
|
Season |
Team |
Conf |
Class |
G |
Carries |
Rushing Yds |
Avg |
Rush TD |
|
2023 |
Minnesota |
Big Ten |
FR |
6 |
138 |
799 |
5.8 |
5 |
|
2024 |
Minnesota |
Big Ten |
SO |
12 |
205 |
986 |
4.8 |
10 |
|
2025 |
Minnesota |
Big Ten |
JR |
10 |
143 |
670 |
4.7 |
4 |
|
Total |
28 |
486 |
2,455 |
5.1 |
19 |
Receiving Productivity
|
Season |
Team |
Conf |
Class |
G |
Rec |
Yds |
Avg |
Rec TD |
|
2023 |
Minnesota |
Big Ten |
FR |
6 |
11 |
92 |
8.4 |
0 |
|
2024 |
Minnesota |
Big Ten |
SO |
12 |
54 |
350 |
6.5 |
2 |
|
2025 |
Minnesota |
Big Ten |
JR |
10 |
34 |
245 |
7.2 |
0 |
|
Total |
28 |
99 |
687 |
6.9 |
2 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on historic Michigan high school athletic profiles, linear burst parameters, and Big Ten tailback structural averages.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.52 – 4.62 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 33.5″ – 35.5″
- Broad Jump: 9’10” – 10’2″
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.22 – 4.32 seconds
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.02 – 7.15 seconds
4. Scouting Notes
Background Profile
Taylor arrived in Minneapolis following a standout career at Walled Lake Western High School in Michigan, where he broke school records with 2,450 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns as a senior. He made an immediate impact for the Golden Gophers as a true freshman in 2023, rushing for 799 yards in just six games before his season was cut short by injury.
Returning healthy for his 2024 sophomore campaign, Taylor emerged as the focal point of the Minnesota offense, logging 986 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns over 12 games while leading the team with 1,336 all-purpose yards. Despite missing time with injury again during his 2025 junior season, he still managed 670 rushing yards and proved heavily involved in the passing game.
Key Strengths
- Elite Pass-Catching Ability: Demonstrates incredibly natural hands and route-running fluidity for a running back, hauling in 99 career receptions for 687 yards over his first three collegiate seasons.
- Workhorse Build and Production: Possesses a sturdy 6’0″, 215-pound frame tailored for high-volume touches, evidenced by his 486 career rushing attempts.
- Contact Balance and Power: Runs with excellent leverage and pad level, consistently absorbing initial contact and finishing runs with physical forward lean to generate tough yardage between the tackles.
- Patience and Vision: Operates comfortably within heavy Big Ten traffic, allowing zone-blocking concepts to develop before decisively planting his foot and attacking the crease.
Developmental Focus
The primary evaluation point for Taylor heading into his senior season will be durability. After missing the second half of his 2023 freshman campaign and sitting out multiple contests due to injuries in both 2024 and 2025, NFL front offices will need to see him string together a fully healthy, 12-game season.
Furthermore, scouts will monitor his top-end breakaway speed, as projecting his long speed against NFL pursuit angles will dictate whether he grades as a three-down starter or a high-end rotational asset for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
*pending*
All-Star Game Notes
*pending*
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
*pending*