Taco Charlton: The Journey of an NFL First-Round Pick

Have you ever wondered how a player with one of the most memorable names in football ended up becoming a first-round NFL draft pick? Or why do fans still talk about him years after his selection? Taco Charlton’s football journey is filled with promise, challenges, and unexpected turns. From dominating at Michigan to playing for multiple professional teams, his story remains one of the more interesting careers in modern football.

Who Is Taco Charlton?

Taco Charlton is an American football defensive end who first gained national attention during his college career at the University of Michigan. Born Vidauntae Charlton on November 7, 1994, he developed into one of the top defensive prospects in college football before entering the NFL Draft. The Dallas Cowboys selected him with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

His size, athleticism, and pass-rushing potential made him an attractive prospect. As a result, many analysts believed he could become a key defensive player at the professional level.

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Early Life and Football Beginnings

Charlton grew up in Ohio and attended Pickerington Central High School. During his high school years, he excelled as a defensive player and quickly attracted attention from major college football programs.

His performances earned him a scholarship offer from Michigan. Once he joined the Wolverines, he gradually developed into one of the team’s most reliable defensive players. By his senior season, he had become a dominant force on the defensive line and helped strengthen Michigan’s defense.

His growth at Michigan played a major role in boosting his draft stock. NFL scouts appreciated his length, speed, and ability to pressure quarterbacks.

Why the Cowboys Drafted Taco Charlton

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2017 NFL Draft looking for help on their defensive line. The organization wanted another pass rusher to complement its existing talent and improve the team’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Charlton appeared to fit that need perfectly. He had shown flashes of elite pass-rushing ability at Michigan and possessed the physical tools NFL teams value highly. The Cowboys believed they could develop him into a long-term contributor on defense. Consequently, they selected him in the first round with the 28th overall pick.

At the time, the pick made sense from a roster-building perspective. However, football careers rarely follow a predictable path.

Challenges During His NFL Career

Although expectations were high, Charlton struggled to establish himself as a consistent impact player in Dallas. Injuries limited his progress, while competition for playing time also posed obstacles.

During his first two seasons, he showed occasional flashes of potential. Nevertheless, he never became the dominant pass rusher the Cowboys had hoped for. His production remained inconsistent and his role on the defense fluctuated.

As a result, the Cowboys eventually moved on from him in 2019. Many fans viewed the selection as a disappointing draft outcome given the expectations associated with a first-round pick. Community discussions among Cowboys fans often highlight the gap between expectations and results.

Life After Dallas

Leaving Dallas did not end Charlton’s professional football career. Instead, it marked the beginning of a journey through several organizations.

After his release, he joined the Miami Dolphins and recorded some productive performances. He later spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers, and other professional teams.

While he never fully developed into the star many projected, he continued finding opportunities because of his athletic ability and experience.

This persistence demonstrates an important reality of professional sports. Even when a player does not meet first-round expectations, there can still be a path forward through determination and adaptability.

A New Chapter in Professional Football

Charlton eventually found opportunities outside the NFL as well. He joined the United Football League and continued pursuing his football career. His experience and talent allowed him to remain active in professional football while many former first-round picks had already retired.

His story serves as a reminder that success in sports comes in many forms. Not every player becomes a superstar. Yet staying in professional football for years remains an achievement few athletes ever reach.

The Story Behind the Name “Taco”

One of the most common questions fans ask concerns Charlton’s unusual nickname.

Interestingly, “Taco” is not related to his favorite food. According to reports, his grandmother jokingly referred to him as “Taco” before he was born. The nickname stuck and eventually became the name by which nearly everyone knew him.

Over time, the nickname became one of the most recognizable names in football. Many casual fans remembered “Taco Charlton” long before they knew his full first name.

In a league filled with memorable personalities, his name certainly helped him stand out.

What Can Fans Learn From Taco Charlton’s Career?

Charlton’s journey offers several lessons.

First, a draft position does not guarantee success. A player can possess tremendous talent and still face challenges adapting to the professional level.

Second, resilience matters. Even after leaving the team that drafted him, Charlton continued working to extend his career.

Finally, football careers are often more complicated than fans realize. Injuries, coaching changes, scheme fit, and opportunity all influence a player’s development.

Because of these factors, evaluating a player’s career requires looking beyond statistics alone.

Legacy and Continued Interest

Even years after entering the NFL, Charlton remains a recognizable figure among football fans. His unique name and first-round draft status continue to generate discussion whenever draft evaluations and player development are debated.

While he may not have become the superstar some predicted, he carved out a professional football career that spans multiple organizations and leagues. That accomplishment deserves recognition.

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FAQs

What happened to Taco Charlton?

Taco Charlton struggled to secure a long-term role with the Dallas Cowboys after being drafted in the first round in 2017. The team released him in 2019. He later played for several NFL teams and eventually continued his career in the United Football League.

What is Taco Charlton’s salary?

His salary has varied throughout his professional career depending on the team and contract. As a rookie with the Cowboys, he signed a four-year contract worth approximately $10 million with guaranteed money included. Current earnings depend on his most recent professional football agreements.

Why did the Cowboys draft Taco Charlton?

The Cowboys drafted Charlton because they needed help on the defensive line and believed his athletic traits and pass-rushing potential would strengthen their defense. He was viewed as a player with significant upside coming out of Michigan.

How did Taco Charlton get his name?

His nickname came from a family joke before he was born. His grandmother reportedly used the name while talking about him during his mother’s pregnancy. The nickname stayed with him throughout his life.

What is the lowest-paid NFL player paid?

The minimum NFL salary changes based on league agreements and a player’s experience level. Rookie players and those with limited service time typically earn the lowest salaries. The exact figure varies by season according to the NFL collective bargaining agreement.