Washington Huskies NFL Class of 2021
Keith Taylor – Defensive Back
When the Carolina Panthers drafted Keith Taylor in the fifth round, they knew he was a versatile player. He’ll be able to help the team at several different positions.
Taylor was the second cornerback Carolina drafted. They took Jaycee Horn in the first round as the eighth overall pick. Horn likely will start for the Panthers while Taylor will have to work his way up from special times before getting time as a regular defensive back.
He’s almost the opposite of Molden as a prospect. Taylor is tall (6-3) and plays physically. Carolina’s defense will be a mixture of man to man and zone. Taylor’s best chance to play besides special teams will be in nickel and dime packages. He’ll also need to put some weight on. At 190-pounds he could get manhandled by big receivers.
Taylor’s talents will transfer nicely in Carolina. 👏
With the 22nd pick in the 5th round, Keith Taylor is headed to the @Panthers.#NFLDraft | @UW_Football | @PacPremierBank pic.twitter.com/5mjJjbNle4
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) May 1, 2021
Josiah Bronson – Defensive Tackle
The Washington Huskies had only one player sign as an undrafted free agent, defensive tackle, Josiah Bronson. He’ll get an opportunity to earn a spot with the New Orleans Saints on their defensive line. He is best suited to play the three-technique (defensive tackle) because of his ability to stop the inside run.
Bronson is aware of how difficult it will be to make an NFL team as an undrafted player. He had to walk on at Washington. A native of Kent, Wa., Bronson started his college career at Temple in 2015 before transferring to UW the next year.
Kevin Thomson – Quarterback
Only one other Washington Huskies player was in consideration for a pro contract, quarterback Kevin Thomson. The former graduate transfer got an invitation to Panthers minicamp but wasn’t offered a contract.
The #Saints are signing former Washington DT Josiah Bronson to a big rookie free-agent deal that includes a $25,000 signing bonus plus $140,000 base salary guarantee, per source. Bronson was in demand after going undrafted and New Orleans won out.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 2, 2021
PNWS will keep you updated on how the 2021 class, along with the veteran Huskies, are doing in the NFL