[5] Taylor attended college at University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he majored in psychology, but he was academically ineligible to play football his first two years.

Leading up to the draft, he was timed allegedly as fast as 4.18 seconds in the 40-yard dash at his pro day.,[3][10] However, most NFL coaches and general managers still failed to see his potential.

Head coach Bill Cowher named Taylor the fourth cornerback on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Chad Scott, Dewayne Washington, and Deshea Townsend.

He made his professional regular season debut in the Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opener against the Baltimore Ravens and recorded two combined tackles in their 34–15 victory.

[16] On November 23, 2003, Taylor earned his first career start at nickelback and recorded four combined tackles in the Steelers' 13–6 victory at the Cleveland Browns in Week 12.

[16] He remained at nickelback for the remainder of the season after Chad Scott was placed on injured reserve due to a torn flexor tendon in his right hand.

[19] During training camp, Taylor competed for a role as a backup cornerback against Ricardo Colclough, Terry Fair, Chidi Iwuoma, and Shane Walton.

[20][21] Head coach Bill Cowher named Taylor the fifth cornerback on the depth chart to start the 2004 season, behind Deshea Townsend, Chad Scott, Willie Williams, and Ricardo Colclough.

[22] On October 3, 2004, Taylor recorded a tackle and made his first career interception off a pass by Carson Palmer during a 28–17 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.

[23] On January 15, 2005, Taylor appeared in his first career playoff game and made one tackle in the Steelers' 20–17 victory against the New York Jets in the AFC Divisional Round.

[23] In 2005, Taylor competed for a job as a starting cornerback against Chad Scott, Willie Williams, Ricardo Colclough, and Bryant McFadden.

[26] Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau named Taylor the starting cornerback to begin the regular season, alongside Deshea Townsend.

[29] Taylor entered training camp slated as a starting cornerback and was officially named a starter to begin the season, along with Deshea Townsend.

On October 8, 2006, Taylor made a season-high eight solo tackles and two pass deflections in the Steelers' 23–13 loss at the San Diego Chargers in Week 5.

On November 5, 2006, Taylor was benched in favor for Bryant McFadden after giving up six receptions for 134-yards and two touchdowns to wide receiver Javon Walker during a 31–20 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 9.

[32] Head coach Bill Cowher officially demoted Taylor to being the third cornerback on the depth chart in favor of Bryant McFadden in Week 12.

[18] Head coach Mike Tomlin named Taylor and Deshea Townsend to starting cornerbacks to begin the regular season.

[34][35] He started in the Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opener at the Cleveland Browns and recorded five solo tackles, a pass deflection, an interception, and made his first career sack in their 34–7 victory.

On October 7, 2007, Taylor made five combined tackles, a season-high four pass deflections, and an interception in the Steelers' 21–0 victory against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5.

In Week 16, Taylor recorded five solo tackles, three pass deflections, and returned an interception for his first career touchdown during a 41–24 victory at the St. Louis Rams.

On January 5, 2008, Taylor made three combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during a 31–29 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wildcard Game.

[38] Head coach Mike Tomlin named Taylor a starting cornerback to begin the regular season, along with William Gay.

Head coach Mike Tomlin officially named him the starter to begin the regular season, alongside Bryant McFadden and nickelback William Gay.

[42] On December 5, 2010, Taylor collected three combined tackles, broke up a pass, and sacked quarterback Joe Flacco in the Steelers' 13–10 win at the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13.

[42] On February 2, 2011, Taylor started in Super Bowl XLV and recorded four combined tackles as the Steelers were defeated by the Green Bay Packers 31–25.

[12] Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau retained McFadden and Taylor as the Steelers' starting cornerbacks to begin the regular season 2011.

On the first play in overtime, Taylor was beat on a post route by Demaryius Thomas and gave up an 80-yard touchdown pass by quarterback Tim Tebow.

Head coach Mike Tomlin officially named him the starter to begin the regular season, opposite Keenan Lewis.