Is Phil Taylor Just Another Shaun Rogers?

The Cleveland Browns made a big splash on the first day of the NFL Draft as they changed positions three times before selecting defensive tackle Phil Taylor. Taylor is was one of the largest defensive prospects in the draft and has been regarded as a monster of a defensive lineman.  However, Cleveland fans have heard all of this hype once before when Shaun Rogers came to Cleveland and was expected to be an anchor on the defensive line.

Rogers had a very successful first season with the Browns but quickly fell by the wayside due to injury and lack of motivation. The Browns tried everything to get Rogers going but after several stints as a special teams player and situational lineman, the Browns cut ties. Taylor will step into his role with the Browns as the heir apparent to the former Pro-Bowler Rogers. Both players have a similar build and have both been criticized for their lack of conditioning throughout their college and early professional careers.

Taylor has one thing that Rogers seemed to be missing throughout his time with Cleveland. Taylor has already shown his drive and willingness to learn with the Browns organization and has an incredible set of football skills to help propel him to the next level. Taylor will also be playing for a large contract as his first deal will likely extend only three or four seasons.

So should browns fans be happy with Taylor?

The simple answer is yes. Cleveland needed a large body in the middle of the defensive line and also needed some youth as the wealth of experience from the Eric Mangini era seemed to hurt the team more often then help. Taylor and second-round selection, Jabaal Sheard, will become two anchors on a defensive line that has lacked stability for several seasons and should be a great compliment to current Browns players, Athyba Rubin and Matt Roth.

by Brian Murtaugh   Browns Central