Summary

Taylor Rapp was drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Round 2, (pick 61) out of Washington. Rapp is a modern safety built for physical play near the line of scrimmage and in intermediate zones. His instincts, toughness, and versatility make him especially valuable in defensive schemes that demand dynamic safeties who can support the run, blitz, and drop into short/medium coverage. While he may not be the prototypical “center-fielder” free safety because of range limitations, his strengths make him a strong fit as a “box/slot” safety or in systems that rotate two-high safeties with differing roles.

In Buffalo’s defense, his profile complements the scheme: a safety who can reliably make tackles, communicate, adapt, and bring tone and physicality. His weaknesses—deep range, top-tier speed, and occasional injury risk—are manageable if his usage leverages his strengths rather than requiring him to cover 100 % of the field in isolation.

Strengths

• Physical and aggressive in run support / near the line of scrimmage: Scouting reports highlight that Rapp is “a tough defender coming downhill,” with strong tackling, hip sink, and ability to finish runners.

• High football IQ, good instincts & versatility: He has been praised as “incredibly high football IQ, plays smart and fast.” Silver And Black Pride He can line up in various alignments and adapt to different roles in the secondary. Bleacher Report

• Effective in short-zone coverage, quick reads and blitzing ability: Draft information noted that he is “very good around the line of scrimmage,” and “excellent blitzer.”

• Ball skills and playmaking uptick: He has recorded interceptions and pass breakups in the NFL, showing he can convert his reads into turnovers. NFL.com

Weaknesses

• Limited deep-range / single-high coverage ability: Many reports flag Rapp’s range as a concern, noting he “does not have the range to play deep consistently” and may be “susceptible to being out-paced.” UW Dawg Pound

• Athletic ceiling not elite: While smart and physical, he lacks the explosive speed or length of the very top safeties, which can limit his ability to cover deep passes or match up with faster receivers. Last Word On Sports

• Injury and consistency concerns: Though not heavily cited in recent scouting, his availability and durability have become more significant given his role and the physical style he plays. Sports Forecaster

Fit & Outlook

Rapp fits best in zone-heavy or hybrid safety systems that let him read and react rather than play extended man coverage.
In Buffalo, he complements players like Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, giving the defense flexibility to disguise coverages and rotate safeties pre-snap. He is especially effective as the “robber” or underneath zone defender who can fill gaps against the run and close on shallow crossers.

Short-term: Expected to continue rotating as a versatile safety and sub-package box defender for the Bills. His football IQ and tackling make him dependable depth or a reliable spot starter.

• Long-term: Could remain a valuable rotational starter for years in zone-based defenses; if he refines his angles and stays healthy, he could solidify a full-time starting role.

• Ceiling: Reliable starting safety who provides consistent tackling and scheme versatility.

• Floor: High-end backup/situational player whose lack of elite range limits his role in some systems.