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Sean Taylor has a Lott of potential in role as fins' safety

Miami safety Sean Taylor is special. So special, in fact, that he could break the mold.

Safeties usually are an afterthought on draft day. In the past 10 years, only one has been selected as high as eighth. That was Roy Williams, who went to the Cowboys in 2002. Eric Turner was the highest-drafted safety in history, going second overall in 1991.

But Taylor is near the top of every draft board, ranked as one of the top five players in 2004.

"He's big-time," said Marty Schottenheimer, whose team holds the first pick. "I hate to draw comparisons, but he's the most athletic big safety that I think I've seen since maybe back to Ronnie Lott. That kind of player."

Yes, Taylor, yet to play his first NFL game, already is drawing comparisons to one of the greatest safeties in history. Lott was selected to 10 Pro Bowls in 14 seasons and retired with 63 career interceptions.

"I don't know," Taylor said. "Ronnie Lott did a lot of great things."

Taylor has done a lot of great things in making a big name for himself. He had 77 tackles last season and his 10 interceptions tied for the national lead. Taylor returned three of his thefts for touchdowns. In 34 career games, Taylor had 188 tackles, 14 interceptions, five touchdowns and two blocked kicks.

Taylor was an offensive star at Gulliver Prep in Miami. In 2000, he set a state record with 44 touchdowns as a running back, helping Gulliver Prep win the Class 2A state title.
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