Steve Sarkisian’s Texas rolled out 16 prospects for scouts, front offices, and evaluators on Pro Day. The usual checklist from timed sprints to arm strength was in place. But one thing was missing and that’s WRs. That’s where safety Michael Taaffe stepped in.

Michael Taaffe lined up as a WR on Pro Day. The reason isn’t because it could boost his draft stock but because QB Matthew Caldwell needed someone to throw to. Think about it, this is a projected NFL safety who decided to run routes instead. And it only shows his willingness to step out of his comfort zone for a teammate in need. His play is clean as he caught multiple passes with one exception but he didn’t need to be perfect. And who doesn’t want that kind of leader? 

If you watched the throws, you might have seen the QB benefit from it immediately. It didn’t matter that Matthew Caldwell had just 11 pass attempts last season. At Pro Day, he looked like a QB worth a second glance. Throwing to TE Jack Endries, WR Rett Anderson, and Michael Taaffe playing wideout, he did it with confidence. 

For a brief moment, watching Matthew Caldwell deal in rhythm, he looked like a serviceable option behind Arch Manning, had things gone sideways in 2025. But the main story here is the 6’0, 189-pound defensive player who reminded everyone exactly who he is.

Michael Taaffe is a Texas player through and through. The Westlake, Austin product chose to be a walk-on on Steve Sarkisian’s roster when he could have bolted. His patience led him to become a 2x All-American starter as well as All-SEC First Team. Now, he leaves the program after playing over 2,000 defensive snaps recording 222 tackles, seven interceptions, and 21 passes defended. And still, somehow, playing with a chip on his shoulder.

“This is my last time wearing burnt orange with something in the line,” he said. “Just knowing that so much happened here in the last five years of my life. I grew up dreaming of the national championship at Texas, dreaming of playing in DKR (Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium), and now it’s over.”

Texas had always been the destination for Michael Taaffe. And now, he’s trying to extend the journey. He may not be the most intriguing safety prospect in the 2026 draft. But he ran a solid 4.5 in the 40. His PFF coverage grades hovers near 90 over the last two seasons. So what does the NFL think?

Michael Taaffe’ NFL projection

As current projections stand, Michael Taaffe is likely sitting in that Day 3 range, somewhere outside the top 100. Elite names like Genesis Smith, Jalon Kilgore, and Zakee Wheatley could come ahead as these are guys with more upside on paper. But teams don’t just draft upside. They draft trust and the 22-year-old is a highly reliable prospect who will go the extra mile to assist his team.

Michael Taaffe has already met with teams like the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions. There’s familiarity there too as he has connections with former teammates now in the league. Various outlets rank him around the top 10 tier for safeties with PFF putting him at No. 9 while ESPN has him just outside of the top 10 list. 

It’s a mystery where Michael Taaffe will land. But wherever it is, don’t be surprised if he outplays his draft slot. And if an NFL GM was watching closely at Texas Pro Day, they saw a guy willing to do someone else’s job just to make the day better for a teammate. That’s special.