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HEIGHT: 5’8”
WEIGHT: 181 lbs
40 YD DASH (NFL Combine): 4.63 s
Trent Taylor had just one D1 offer coming out of high school. His small size may have scared some teams away. But Louisiana Tech took a chance on him, and he went on to break the all-time record for receptions in Ruston. Now, the 49ers will take a similar chance on him, as they drafted him with the 34th pick of the 5th round (177th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft.
Taylor joins a receiving corps with Pierre Garcon and will be catching passes from Blaine Gabbert, although they also drafted Iowa QB C.J. Beathard. The 49ers have obviously struggled recently, but considering the absolute robbery they committed against the Bears in the 1st round, maybe their young GM will get them moving in the right direction.
Trent Taylor set the record at Tech with 327 career receptions for 4179 yards and 32 touchdowns. His senior year alone he caught 136 for 1803 yards and 12 touchdowns. Although small, he is wily, and he will find the hole in your zone. He was the go-to receiver for Tech’s last three quarterbacks. He can also make a play after the catch and plays with an attitude.
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The 49ers have a little history with drafting Bulldogs. This is the second straight year they have taken a Louisiana Tech player, as they drafted quarterback Jeff Driskel last year. In 2013, they took the last great La Tech wide receiver when they drafted Quinton Patton. Driskel ended up with the Bengals off waivers and Patton just left for the Jets through free agency, so Taylor won’t get to play with them in San Francisco, but maybe he’ll have more luck in Cali. Furthermore, back in 2000, the 49ers drafted La Tech QB Tim Rattay, who is now the Tech QB coach, although prior to 2016 he coached Taylor and the other receivers. In all, Taylor is the 7th Bulldog (3rd WR) drafted by San Francisco.
Taylor is the second Bulldog taken in 2017, following Carlos Henderson (Broncos). He is the 7th Bulldog all-time to go in the 5th Round, and only six Dawg receivers (including Henderson) have gone earlier.
Trent Taylor’s size has always caused people to underestimate him. When Louisiana Tech took a chance on him, he became their all-time leader in receptions. Now San Francisco has taken a chance on him. What will he accomplish there? If his college days are any indication, he’ll make a splash.