Chinese-American Taylor Rapp joins Los Angeles Rams at No.61 pick

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Taylor Rapp, a safety from the University of Washington was selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the No.61 pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft on Friday, becoming the highest drafted Chinese-American football player in the league's history.

"I've dreamed of this moment my whole life, ever since I could walk – an unbelievable moment that I will remember for the rest of my life. I get to come in under obviously Eric Weddle, a vet, and John Johnson, he's an incredible player. To come in and learn under them, it's an incredible opportunity and the perfect scenario for me. I couldn't ask for anything better," said Rapp.

Taylor Rapp #7 of University of Washington tries to tackle Jaylen Dixon #25 of University of Utah in the game at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, November 30, 2018. /VCG Photo

Rapp joined UW in 2016 and earned a starting position in 10 of his 14 games that season. He had 53 tackles, four interceptions, two pass breakups and won the Pac-12 Championship Defensive MVP in 2016. In 2017 and 2018, Rapp further improved his performance and he was named First-team All-Pac-12 twice.

With his college record and his scouting combine results, Rapp was considered a first-round talent by many. Though he missed it on Thursday, the Rams chose him in the second round and he is the fifth safety drafted this year.

Taylor Rapp runs his 40 yard dash during UW's NFL Pro Day in Dempsey Indoor Center, April 1, 2019. /VCG Photo

Rapp is not the first Chinese-American NFL player. In 2010, Ed Wang from Virginia Tech was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the No.150 pick in the fifth round. Having played six games from the bench for the team, Wang was released in 2011. Though he then signed with the Oakland Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles, Wang failed to stay in the NFL.

In NFL's overview of him, Rapp was seen as a combination of "tenacity" and "football intelligence." He's not big, but he is well-built and has good durability. Coverage may not be Rapp's strength but he can run and tackle well in the open field.