The 2025 NFL Draft is just a few months away, which means teams are starting to do their research on late-round prospects like Memphis wide receiver Roc Taylor. While nobody will confuse him with elite prospects like Arizona’s Tet McMillan, the 6′-3″ wide receiver is reportedly making a name for himself and drawing interest from NFL scouts at the Hula Bowl. According to The Draft Network‘s Ryan Fowler, the Senior has reportedly met with at least 11 teams, including the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers.
Predraft showcase circuit is underway & a name generating some buzz at Hula this week — Memphis WR Roc Taylor.
The 6’3” wideout has met with a long list of teams including the Commanders, Broncos, Colts, Cowboys, Chargers, Panthers, 49ers, Jaguars, Giants, Dolphins and Bears.…
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 7, 2025
Fresh off a 67-catch, 954-yard final season, scouts believe that Roc Taylor could see his stock skyrocket ahead of the NFL Draft, beginning with the Hula Bowl. While Taylor lacks the technical refinement to be a Day 1 or 2 pick, he could be a high-ceiling Day 3 selection with the physical tools to eventually develop into a reliable outside threat. The Panthers and Chargers could use a player like this, but will either team get him?
Roc Taylor Drawing NFL Draft Interest From Panthers, Chargers
After a rocky start to the season, the Carolina Panthers offense started firing on all cylinders down the stretch. First-overall pick Bryce Young played like a top-10 quarterback over the final month or two, head coach Dave Canales got the best out of his flawed roster, and young playmakers like Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Ja’Tavion Sanders all had their moments throughout the season.
Because of this, it’s hard to envision Carolina using an early draft pick on offense. The defense ranked at or near the bottom of just about every metric last year, and General Manager Dan Morgan must use the available resources to add some talent to the group. However, don’t be surprised if Carolina targets Roc Taylor on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Even if Adam Thielen doesn’t retire, he’s not a long-term solution.
The Panthers have some promising young talent, but they could use more depth. Without a clear superstar on the roster, Young will need at least three adequate options on every snap to ensure he always has an open target on the field. Taylor might not have the same athletic abilities as Legette, but his size, strength, and speed make him an ideal complementary perimeter threat for this offense.
More Help For Justin Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers made the playoffs in the first year of the Jim Harbaugh Era, but there is still work to be done here. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey is a star in the making while 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston had his moments, but this team needs more offensive firepower to go blow-for-blow with elite AFC teams like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and division rival Kansas City Chiefs.
Harbaugh wants to win games on the ground, which means he probably won’t select a receiver early in the NFL Draft. However, with most of the plug-and-play prospects off the board, the former Michigan national champion could target Roc Taylor on Day 3. This run-heavy offense doesn’t need another perennial 1,000-yard receiver, but they could use a big-bodied option who can win outside and develop into a solid blocker.
Main Photo: Chris Day – USA Today Sports
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