Jonathan Taylor will go down as one of the most decorated rushers, not just at Wisconsin, but in the history of the NCAA. The 226-pound force of nature obliterated the Big Ten, pacing the conference in rushing yards each of his three seasons in Madison. The prolific 21-year-old accumulated a combined 6,174 rushing yards as a Badger, the fourth-most in FBS history. A track standout who represented Wisconsin at last year’s Penn Relays, the former three-star recruit clocked a blistering 4.39 at the Combine, the fastest forty time among running backs. The New Jersey native was the recipient of consecutive Doak Walker Awards, becoming the first back-to-back winner since Darren McFadden in 2006-07.
Here's everything you need to know about the newest Indianapolis Colt:
Measurables: 5’10”/226
School: Wisconsin
2019 Stats: 320 carries, 2,003 rushing yards, 21 rushing touchdowns, 6.3 yards per carry, 26 catches, 252 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns
Accolades: Fourth all-time in FBS rushing yards, 2x Doak Walker Award winner (2018-19), 2x Unanimous First-team All-American (2018-19), 3x First-team All-Big Ten (2017-19), 3x Big Ten rushing leader (2017-19), FBS rushing leader (2018), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2017), FBS record for freshman rushing yards, Pinstripe Bowl MVP (2018), 12 games of 200+ rushing yards
Strengths: A Marshawn-esque tackle-shedder (forced 87 missed tackles in 2019) who tested in the 89th percentile of SPARQ athletes, Taylor boasts a masterful blend of size, strength and elite playmaking. Lightning quick with patience reminiscent of Steelers-Era Le’Veon Bell, Taylor made so many house calls in college (55, to be exact), you’d think he owned a beach house in the end zone. An electric runner with home-run speed, Taylor’s Big-Ten pedigree only serves to strengthen his already immaculate credentials.
Weaknesses: As brilliant as his rushing exploits were, Taylor never amounted to much as a receiver in college, proving to be a raw route-runner with inconsistent mitts. He made strides in that area in 2019—he posted a respectable 26-252-5 receiving line—but still dropped too many passes (four). Along with his lack of receiving polish, Taylor also arrives with significant tread on his tires after handling an exhausting 968 touches at Wisconsin. That level of wear and tear casts doubt on his NFL longevity, particularly at a position with an inherently short shelf life. Ball security was Taylor’s Kryptonite in college, resulting in 15 fumbles over his three-year tenure in Madison. Turning the ball over is a good way to land in any coach’s doghouse and Taylor will need to nip that in the bud if he hopes to succeed in the pros.
Player Comparison: Darren McFadden
Ox-strong and bred for the chase, the prodigious Taylor bears a striking resemblance to former Raiders bedrock Darren McFadden, a similarly athletic box-checker.
What Experts Are Saying
“There is no doubt Taylor has the ability to make an impact as a running back in the NFL given his skill set to be a three-down starter.” – Charlie Campbell, Walter Football
“You’re talking about a world-class athlete who is country strong, a tackle-breaking machine who can run away from anyone.” – Thor Nystrom, Rotoworld
“His traits, toughness and talent should make him an early starter with a solid ceiling and more third-down potential than we saw at Wisconsin.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram