Michael Taaffe's journey through Texas football is nothing short of legendary. From his roots as an Austin native and Texas fan, he rose through the ranks to become a standout player for the Longhorns.
His story is one of perseverance and passion, having led Westlake High School to consecutive state championships before walking on at Texas and making a name for himself on special teams. Earning a scholarship, he eventually became a starter and received multiple All-American honors.
Now, Taaffe is eyeing the NFL, aiming to become the 12th Westlake player to make it to the big league. Here's a look at how he stacks up for the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23-25:
- Age: 22
- Hometown: Austin
- Height: 6 feet
- Weight: 189 pounds
Despite not being a highly-touted recruit out of Westlake, Taaffe's college career speaks volumes. Playing 53 games with 36 starts at Texas, he earned second-team All-American honors in 2024 and received all-conference accolades in both the Big 12 and SEC. He wrapped up his college career with 222 tackles, seven interceptions, and 21 passes defended.
Michael Taaffe Draft Profile
- Arm length: Not yet available
- Hand size: Not yet available
- 40-yard dash time: Unofficial 4.55
- Bench press: Not yet available
- Shuttle time: Not yet available
Scouting Report
Strengths: Taaffe is a film enthusiast with sharp instincts, excelling in presnap route recognition. His versatility allows him to cover in the slot or match up with tight ends off the edge. He's physical with receivers and strong in run support, projecting as an immediate special-teams asset.
Weaknesses: Weighing 189 pounds, Taaffe can struggle to shed blockers in run support. His tendency to dip his helmet for big hits can lead to missed tackles or targeting penalties. While he has good short-area quickness, his lack of elite speed can be a liability in vertical coverage.
Observations
Taaffe's importance to the Texas defense was highlighted when he missed a month due to a broken hand. Without him, the Longhorns' secondary struggled with alignment and coverage busts. His understanding of the defensive scheme and ability to organize the defense could be a significant asset in the NFL, provided he can handle the increased speed and size of professional play.
Rankings as of Mid-February
- Bleacher Report: No. 31 overall, No. 5 CB
- ESPN (Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, Steve Muench): Not ranked in top 5
- CBS Sports: Not ranked in top 5
- PFF: No. 8 safety, No. 121 overall
Draft Projections
Most projections place Taaffe as a Day Two pick, likely in the second or third rounds. While he's not ranked in the top 10 safeties, his potential for immediate impact on special teams boosts his draft stock. The NFL Combine and Texas pro day will be crucial, as scouts still have questions about his speed and athleticism.
Taaffe's path to the NFL is a testament to his dedication and skill, and his story continues to inspire fans and aspiring athletes alike.