2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas

It is never too early to evaluate safety depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently valued instinctive, physical defensive backs who can operate in multiple roles, and Todd Bowles’ defensive structure depends on safeties who can communicate, disguise coverages, and play aggressively downhill. Tampa Bay prioritizes defensive backs who can contribute across all phases, especially in sub-packages where versatility is critical.

While the Buccaneers may not be targeting an immediate starter, adding experienced depth with proven production remains an important part of long-term roster building. We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Texas safety Michael Taaffe.

Information School: Texas Conference: SEC Position: Safety Height Weight: 6-0, 193 pounds Class: Senior Age: 23 Background Taaffe brings a unique and experienced profile to this draft class, appearing in over 50 career games while developing into a key contributor in Texas’ secondary. A former walk-on who earned his role, Taaffe steadily worked his way into a starting position and became one of the more reliable defensive backs on the roster. During the 2024 season, Taaffe broke out in a major way, totaling 78 tackles, 5.

5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. His performance earned him Associated Press All-America Second Team honors and established him as one of the top defensive playmakers on the team. In 2025, Taaffe continued to contribute as a starter, making plays across multiple phases of the defense, including interceptions, tackles for loss, and consistent involvement in the run game before dealing with injury late in the season.