He might still be right. A lot of the experts think Mays doesn't react well in coverage and doesn't make any plays (2 interceptions in 3 years) despite being an athletic freak.
USC safety Taylor Mays was clocked with an unofficial 4.24-second 40-yard dash. If that number holds, it would tie Chris Johnson for the fastest 40 time in the combine since 2000. There are no official results prior to 2000. NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks did hear another scout put Mays at 4.33, but even with that time Mays would become the second-fastest participant at this year’s combine. Just seconds after Mays posted his amazing 40 time, Tennessee’s Eric Berry had his own sensational moment. The man considered to be Mike Mayock’s second-rated safety had an unofficial 43-inch vertical jump, which would place him among the best defensive backs of all-time in the vertical, and third only to fellow safety A.J. Jefferson from Fresno State, who unofficially jumped 44 inches a few minutes ago, and Pittsburgh TE Dorin Dickerson who recorded an official 43 1/2-inch jump in this year’s combine. Mays, who unlike many other prospects loudly grunts his way through the entire run, was clocked at an unofficial 4.34 seconds in his second 40-yard dash. Not to be undone, Mayock’s top-rated safety, Texas’ Earl Thomas, ran an unofficial 4.4-second 40-yard dash in his second run. – Jason Feller http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/03/02/mays-posts-unofficial-4-24-40-yard-dash/ Update: Official time 4.43
Straight-line speed (i.e. his 40 time) and his ability to cover and play centerfield are two different things. I think he might be to slow (in tight spaces) to play CF in the NFL. There's a saying in the NFL when it comes to QBs, and I think it holds true for Mays, "if you wait, you're late." If he had Barry's instincts to go along with his physical skills, he'd be amazing. I just think too often he'll be forced to try and recover from a brain fart/bad technique and his obvious physical skills will be somewhat wasted.
NFL network did the side by side of the top 40's by position and Mays beat Holliday, who had an official time of 4.34.
Speed isn't a problem for Mays, instincts might be though. If you watch his video, he reacts a little late sometimes which is a HUGE problem if you're playing FS. He also takes bad angles and will go for the big hit rather than making a solid tackle. Mays is an elite SS prospect though. But as far as FS, Berry and Thomas are 1a and 1b IMO. Berry's 43 inch vertical is ridiculous.
I don't understand why they don't just make Mays into a Linebacker and be done with it. I don't know if there's really a place for the pure hitter safety anymore in 4 wide/spread etc sets. See Roy Williams.
Tate really helped himself this week. Probably measured out a little shorter than expected but his performance more than made up for it IMO. He really reminds me of Steve Smith (smaller WR with great speed and YAC). Sam - I think teams want to take advantage of May's athletic ability. Also, I think spinning a S down to LB will be hard since they are not use to taking on/shedding blocks. I think Mays will be a good pro if put in the right position (SS). He'd excel if he plays a role similar to Pollard.
Where are you seeing this? I thought the RBs ran on Saturday or are they allowed to come back and run again? Myron Rolle's 4.68 is going to hurt him a lot.
