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Tyler Raymond’s NFL Draft Scouting Report: Taco Charlton

By Tyler Raymond

ANN ARBOR, MI - AUGUST 30: Taco Charlton #33 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to make the stop during the second half of the game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on August 30, 2014 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Mountaineers 52-14. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - AUGUST 30: Taco Charlton #33 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to make the stop during the second half of the game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on August 30, 2014 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Mountaineers 52-14. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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What I personally enjoy most about writing for Who Dat Dish is being able to openly write about everything the New Orleans Saints. Whether that be expressing my own opinions on topics, breaking news, or simply remembering fond Saints memories, it’s all amazing. These articles bring joy to my life like no other, and topics such as this years 2017 NFL Draft is no different.

The 2017 NFL Draft features a wide variety of athletes capable of making direct impacts in the National Football League, especially in the first round. In this series, I’ll be taking a look at different prospects from the 2017 NFL Draft that I’ve grown a liking towards. This first segment will solely focus on one defensive end to start with.

Let’s get started with an athlete who would make a day one impact for the New Orleans Saints. 

If the New Orleans Saints are looking for a defensive end with a rare skill set, athletic ability and body type, look no further than Michigan’s Taco Charlton.

Overview:

The New Orleans Saints need a play-making defensive end to cause havoc alongside Cameron Jordan. Ranking 27th in the NFL with only 30 sacks last year, it would greatly help to see a fresh face on the defensive line.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 05: Defensive lineman Taco Charlton of Michigan in action during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 05: Defensive lineman Taco Charlton of Michigan in action during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Strengths: 

The hype and consideration for Taco Charlton right now are based on not only his explosive athletic ability but on his unique measurables. The first and very obvious traits that stand out with the former Michigan defensive end are his length and size. The 6’6″ 277-pound defensive end is practically a behemoth, which would provide a key element in helping New Orleans get to the quarterback. Below are some of the other notable measurables for Taco Charlton at the NFL Combine…

Arm Length: 34 1/4 Inches
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.92 Seconds 
Bench Press: 25 Reps
Vertical Jump: 33 Inches
Broad Jump: 116 Inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.17 Seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.39 Seconds

As far as his strengths go Taco Charlton is a dynamic playmaker with the ability to thrive in the NFL. Charlton not only possesses a unique body but his skill set is what really puts this athlete over the top. The initial speed, athleticism, burst off of the snap, and strength help to propel Charlton ferociously against opposing offensive linemen. His dynamic ability not only allows Taco Charlton to make great leverage against opposing offensive linemen but allows Charlton to be an influential presence from the start of each snap.

Weaknesses: 

The biggest flaws I notice when I watch tape on Taco Charlton: his consistency and his ability to defend against the run. Another factor that doesn’t really help Charlton’s case is his experience. Taco Charlton has only really had one season, his senior year, as a starting defensive end for Michigan. Although these issues may seem alarming, hopefully, they could be fixed with the proper training both mentally and physically. As far as gaining experience against the run, these issues can be solved if Charlton initially puts on more muscle mass to increase his general strength. A bulkier, more physically fit Taco Charlton could do wonders as far as plugging a gap or wrapping up a running back as far as that goes.

Now to the consistency, I feel as if giving Taco the starting defensive role, and allowing him to gain valuable experience through the offseason, and the pre-season would hopefully allow Taco to improve upon his blemishes.

ANN ARBOR, MI – AUGUST 30: Taco Charlton #33 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to make the stop during the second half of the game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on August 30, 2014 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Mountaineers 52-14. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – AUGUST 30: Taco Charlton #33 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to make the stop during the second half of the game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on August 30, 2014 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Mountaineers 52-14. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Overall:

Right now from what I’ve seen regarding his tape, I would best describe Taco Charlton as a freak with untapped potential. For now, I describe Taco Charlton as this because the defensive end doesn’t know what he fully has yet.

If it means anything, Taco Charlton is similar to a monster truck, in my opinion. The defensive end is large and in charge but doesn’t know what he is fully capable of. With the given strength and the current measurables, it is blatantly obvious Charlton possesses the capability to push aside more linemen than he actually does, or has yet to do. One recommendation I would make to Charlton is that he bulks up to not only enhance his current massive frame but to provide a bigger threat for opposing linemen.

If used correctly, this potential could allow Charlton to have a drastically high ceiling as far as what he could amount to in the NFL, and what he could provide for an edge rusher needy team. If Taco can fully utilize the strength and body he possesses to the full extent and learns how to be a better run defender, and actually stays consistent in his work, expect Taco Charlton to thrive in the National Football League.

What do you think Saints fans? If former Michigan Defensive End Taco Charlton is available, should the New Orleans Saints pull the trigger? 

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