2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Taurean York (LB – Texas A&M)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Taurean York

Taurean York (LB – Texas A&M)

5-foot-10 | 227 Pounds

Background

Taurean York is a Temple, Texas native and three-star recruit who stepped into the Aggies’ starting Mike linebacker role as a true freshman, finishing the year with a line of 74-8.5-3.0. Has been similarly productive in the two seasons since then, posting an 82-9.5-2.5 line in 2024 and following that up with a 73-7.5-1.0 line this year to conclude his collegiate career.

Positives

York was a highly productive three-year SEC starter who stepped right in and earned a starting role as a true freshman. High-intensity middle linebacker who plays much bigger than his size would suggest. Decisive key-reader who processes well. Has natural leverage, which is accentuated by his solid knee bend. Gets what extension he can and shows some violence in his hands to work through blocks.

Impressive wheels and motor allow him to play sideline to sideline; he has a chip on his shoulder and works through the whistle. Takes solid angles in pursuit. Has a strong closing burst to finish. Has been a reliable tackler throughout his career and is surprisingly forceful as a hitter, jolting some opponents on contact and playing with violence.

Took the next step forward in coverage this past season, with improved awareness. Does a good job of using his hands and eyes to stay connected and maintain awareness. Exhibits good sight lines in zone coverage. Sniffs out screens developing and has impressive click-and-close speed. Fast enough to run with crossers and carry them into the next zone when pattern-matching. Has the athleticism to cover running backs in the passing game.

Negatives

Shorter than your typical linebacker and may not meet some teams’ size requirements. Can struggle to anchor and hold the point of attack, even against some slot receivers in the screen game; much more comfortable aggressively running and hitting behind bigger linemen.

York can be engulfed by blockers at times. Contact balance isn’t always the best. Doesn’t have the ideal physical profile to match up against tight ends in coverage. Dropped an easy interception against Auburn, although it’s difficult to judge his hands on a small sample.

Summary

York was a three-year starter who is sure to become a fan favorite for the maniacal energy and outstanding physicality he brings in such a small frame. He plays the game with intelligence, decisiveness and impressive speed.

As might be expected, York is at his best when allowed to run free behind big, space-eating linemen up front. Can occasionally get swallowed up or pushed off his spot by blockers, despite playing bigger than his size, which may limit the number of teams that view him as a fit. Still, the Texas A&M prospect should get some second-day looks from teams with aggressive, swarming defenses with four down linemen.

Projection: Round 3/Round 4