Tennessee Football: Projecting where Vols will land in 2022 NFL draft

Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) during a football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.Kns Tennessee Georgia Football Bp
Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) during a football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.Kns Tennessee Georgia Football Bp /
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Tennessee Vols corner Alontae Taylor looking up at the jumbotron
Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) during a football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.Kns Tennessee Georgia Football Bp /

42. Pick Analysis. CB. Tennessee. player. Prospect Profile. Alontae Taylor. 105

The 49ers situation at cornerback is adequate enough for the moment. Emmanuel Moseley, Ambry Thomas, and recent signing Charvarius Ward will come into 2022 comfortable in their roles with the team. Yet, with depth failing the 49ers down the stretch at the position, they can look for a day two or three prospect to fill that need.

Alontae Taylor’s adaptability will fit that bill perfectly.

At Tennessee, Taylor was a true corner. But, as his combine performance showed, he is very quick and could get on the field early in dime packages. That speed also comes packed with good physical skills, too, as Taylor was often asked to press against talented SEC receivers.

Taylor’s fundamentals are also a help. His hip turns are great, though he does get put on skates sometimes against quicker receivers. Effort isn’t a concern either, as he likes to stick his neck in on run plays that spill to his side of the field.

His maturity level will allow him to have an easy transition to the pros, and he’ll be a help to the 49ers from day one.