Taurean York

NFL Draft Profile: Taurean York

Position: Linebacker | School: Texas A&M | Class: Junior

Height: 5'11" | Weight: 230 lbs | Archetype: Run Stopper / Hybrid

College Career Summary

Taurean York is widely considered the "heartbeat" of the Texas A&M defense. After arriving as a three-star recruit, he shattered expectations by starting every game since his true freshman season (2023), earning Freshman All-American honors and being named a team captain as only a sophomore. In 2024, he led the Aggies with 82 tackles, showcasing a "jitterbug" style of play and a diagnostic ability that belies his age. His 2025 junior campaign saw him evolve into a Second-Team All-SEC selection, anchored by his elite football IQ and reliable tackling. While he lacks the prototypical height and length sought by NFL front offices, his production (229 career tackles) and the respect he commands from coaches like Mike Elko suggest a high-floor prospect who functions as a "coach on the field."

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 39 (39 Starts)

• Total Tackles: 229 (73 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 24.5 (7.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 6.5 (1.0 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 1 (2024 vs. LSU)

• Pass Breakups: 7 (3 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. UTSA	6 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B+	Clean outing; dominated the interior gaps.
vs. Utah State	5 Tkl	B	Sound gap integrity; erased cutback lanes.
@ Notre Dame	9 Tkl	A-	High Stamina; chased plays sideline-to-sideline.
vs. Auburn	11 Tkl, 2.0 TFL	A+	Season Best. Total takeover in the run game.
vs. Mississippi St.	6 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A	Showed improved Blitzing timing on the sack.
vs. Florida	5 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B	Reliable in space; zero missed tackles.
@ Arkansas	5 Tkl	B+	High IQ; diagnosed several RPO concepts early.
@ LSU	6 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	A-	Elite Pursuit; limited yards after contact.
@ Missouri	7 Tkl, 1 PBU	B+	Leadership on display in a hostile road win.
vs. South Carolina	6 Tkl, 1.5 TFL	A-	Violent at the point of attack; stacked-and-shed well.
vs. Samford	4 Tkl	B	Solid floor; communicated the front seven flawlessly.
@ Texas	10 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B+	High Motor; battled through a physical trench war.
vs. Miami (FL)	4 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	C+	Worst Game. Struggled to disengage from larger OL.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Football IQ: York is a film junkie. His Play Recognition is arguably the best in the 2026 class; he frequently triggers downhill before the offensive lineman even reaches his block.

• Tackling Reliability: He is a fundamentally sound tackler with a very low career missed-tackle percentage (8.2% in 2024). He squares up ball carriers and strikes through the hips.

• Intangibles: A multi-year captain and the vocal leader of a top SEC defense. His Mental Toughness and ability to command the "Green Dot" at a young age are rare.

• Lateral Agility: York is light on his feet. He sifts through "the trash" of the interior line with a jitterbug-like ability to find the ball carrier.

Weaknesses

• Lack of Length/Size: At 5'11", he falls below the 20th percentile for NFL height. Shorter arms make it difficult for him to "stack-and-shed" against 320-lb offensive linemen who latch onto his chest.

• Limited Ceiling in Man Coverage: While excellent in short zone drops, he lacks the top-end Speed and "flip-and-run" athleticism to mirror elite NFL tight ends vertically.

• Positional Value: Because he is a pure MIKE linebacker without elite pass-rush bend, he lacks the high positional value of an EDGE or OT, potentially capping his draft stock.

Scheme Fit: Ideal MIKE (Middle Linebacker) in a 4-2-5 or 4-3 system where he is protected by large interior defensive tackles.

NFL Comparison: Nick Bolton (Chiefs)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 15/20 | Attributes: 19/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 20/20

Final Grade: 91/100

Taurean York is a "football player's football player." While scouts will pick apart his height and weight measurements during the Combine, his tape is consistently productive. He is a high-floor prospect who will likely walk into an NFL facility and immediately become a special teams standout and a backup MIKE who pushes for a starting job by Year 2. His leadership and Star impact in the locker room are intangible bonuses that winning organizations prioritize.

Draft Projection: 3rd - 4th Round