Linebacker is one of the most difficult positions to evaluate and develop for NFL scouts and coaches. It’s also a difficult position to properly price on the free agent market, as the Kansas City Chiefs will find out when Leo Chenal and Jack Cochrane hit the open market this coming spring. The team should consider adding linebacker depth through the 2026 NFL draft.
Texas A&M Aggies junior Taurean York played like one of the nation’s best linebackers over the past month. Beginning with the game against Auburn, York went on a tear that he’s just starting to cool off from. He is an undersized off-ball linebacker with impressive athletic traits and a red hot motor who could develop into a regular contributor by the midpoint of his rookie contract.
York’s top speed and change of direction help mitigate concerns about his size. He’s a defensive weapon when operating in space and free of blockers. His range in pursuit and closing burst help him impact plays to both sidelines. York mirrors running backs at the second level, peaking gaps as the ball carrier finds their lane.
York is fearless playing downhill. He occasionally fires through the gap at just the right tackle to make a massive tackle for loss. However, his lack of mass and desire to play downhill backfire. His impatience leads to him fitting the wrong gap or running himself out of the play. He lacks the strength to stack and shed offensive linemen but drifts deep into the box, making himself a target for blockers.
York is a terrific option to spy mobile quarterbacks. Auburn’s Jackson Arnold didn’t have an answer for York’s electric closing burst and open field speed. He forced multiple incompletions against the Tigers and landed several heavy quarterback hits because of his ability to contain and pursue passers who break the pocket.
York’s profile in coverage remains underdeveloped. He offers significant upside in this area because of his range. He’s fast enough to bail from a mugged-up look to pick up the tight end or slot receiver running the seam route. York reads the quarterback’s eyes to pinch throwing lanes. However, he has limited snaps operating in dynamic coverages and is still developing his instincts and comfort in this area.
The No. 3 ranked Aggies face No. 20 LSU on the road in Death Valley at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 25. This is one of three ranked games remaining on Texas A&M’s schedule.