J’Mari Taylor Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Geoff Burke/IMAGN Images)

School: Virginia

Class: Redshirt Senior

Position: RB

HT: 5’9

WT: 204 lbs

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Background: J’Mari Taylor is a product of Charlotte, North Carolina, where he attended West Mecklenburg High School. Taylor was an unranked running back in the class of 2020. His stats from his high school career are difficult to find, but he eventually received one Division I offer, NC Central.

College: J’Mari played from 2020-2024 with NC Central in the FCS. Unfortunately, NC Central did not compete in the 2020 season. In 2021, Taylor was strictly a special teams contributor. He played in 4 games and preserved his redshirt. He was a Third Team All-MEAC selection in 2022 after rushing for 415 yards and 7 touchdowns. In 2023, his numbers took a dip as he only ran for 321 yards and 1 touchdown. He broke out in 2024, rushing for 1,146 yards and 15 touchdowns on his way to an All-MEAC First Team selection. Taylor parlayed this success into a transfer to Virginia. In his 1 season with the Cavaliers, Taylor ran for 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was a First Team All-ACC selection and invited to the Senior Bowl.

Strengths: J’Mari Taylor is a slippery runner who is incredibly difficult to bring down in open space. He seems to break multiple tackles on every single rushing attempt. He has elite contact balance to remain upright through the contact to keep his legs churning. He has excellent vision behind the line of scrimmage to let blocks develop in front of him. His footwork and lateral agility allow him to be so patient, knowing he can cut a run back in a different direction.

Weaknesses: Taylor is a smaller back despite his muscle mass. His shorter stature prevents him being able to do it all in the backfield. He will likely be a situational back in the NFL. Despite having the strength as a runner, that does not translate to pass protection. He turns into a turnstile in the backfield. He contributes as a pass catcher, but generally remains close to the line of scrimmage on his routes.

Conclusion: J’Mari Taylor had an excellent couple of seasons to round out his collegiate career. He will be a difference maker in the backfield and has proven he can handle a heavy workload. His skillset does not translate to that same workload in the NFL, but he can do a little bit of everything.

Best Team Fits: NE, CLE, HOU

Player Comparison: Will Shipley

Player Grade: Round 5 (58.7)