Browns Draft Profile: Safety Michael Taaffe Could Be Day 3 Steal

Texas Longhorns standout could fill open starting job in Cleveland's secondary

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:40am

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The Cleveland Browns may need to find a new starting safety to pair with veteran Grant Delpit, and Texas's Michael Taaffe could be an intriguing option on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. Taaffe is a smart, instinctive defensive back with good coverage skills and ball-tracking ability, though he may have some athletic limitations.

Why it matters

The Browns' safety room is in flux, with Ronnie Hickman's future uncertain as a restricted free agent. Taaffe could step in and compete for a starting job next to Delpit, providing the Browns with a versatile defensive back who can play multiple roles in the secondary.

The details

Taaffe is a former walk-on at Texas who developed into a key contributor in the Longhorns' secondary. Over his 53-game college career, he recorded 222 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 14 pass breakups. Taaffe's strengths include his coverage skills, anticipation, and ball-tracking ability, though he may struggle against bigger tight ends and has some issues with missed tackles and pursuit angles.

  • Taaffe is eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Grant Delpit

A seasoned veteran and solid starting safety for the Cleveland Browns.

Ronnie Hickman

A restricted free agent who may have the opportunity to leave the Browns this offseason.

Donovan McMillon

A special teams demon who has played some defensive snaps for the Browns.

Michael Taaffe

A highly-regarded safety from the University of Texas who could be a Day 3 draft steal for the Browns.

Ephraim Banda

The Browns' safeties coach who values instinctive, physical defensive backs.

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What’s next

The Browns will evaluate Taaffe and other safety prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, as they look to solidify their secondary alongside veteran Grant Delpit.

The takeaway

With uncertainty surrounding Ronnie Hickman's future, the Browns could find a potential starting safety in Michael Taaffe, who has the instincts, coverage skills, and versatility to compete for a job in Cleveland's defensive backfield.