The Indianapolis Colts scored a bargain in the 2020 NFL Draft when they selected running back Jonathan Taylor with the number 41 overall selection in the second round.
The Wisconsin native quickly established himself as a star-in-the-making after amassing 1,468 yards from scrimmage and developing as a go-to scorer with 12 touchdowns in his debut season.
With Taylor, the Colts acquired a player who many thought had the potential to one day be the top running back in the league and a significant force for Indianapolis.
It goes without saying that the Colts have one of the top running backs in the league, and Next Gen Stats support that claim given he has been among the position’s most productive players since 2020.
Jonathan Taylor has been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL since being drafted in 2020.
Taylor ranks in the top 5 of rushing yards, RYOE and rush EPA over that time frame despite being tackled at or behind the LOS on 139 carries (T-3rd among RB).#ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/QNOZAfJkc0
Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) July 31, 2023
The Colts got an opportunity to witness what he was really capable of during his second season in Indianapolis, when he destroyed the opposition on a weekly basis and put his rookie stats to shame with an outstanding performance from beginning to end.
Taylor’s career took off in 2021, when he played in all 17 of the Colts’ regular-season games and was essentially unstoppable from week to week, averaging an incredible 106.5 yards per game.
Along with 360 receiving yards and two receiving scores, he piled up 1,811 rushing yards and an astounding 18 rushing touchdowns.
Taylor demonstrated that he was at a higher level but fell off last season when he was limited to 11 appearances by injury.
After a contract dispute, Taylor has now requested to be traded, but team owner Jim Irsay isn’t ready to budge either way, which is a disappointing development for the talented rookie running back.
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LeSean McCoy Supports Jonathan Taylor In Ongoing Colts Dispute