The Indianapolis Colts traded up to ensure the selection of running back Jonathan Taylor and while he has the talent to be an every-down, workhorse back in the league, his first season will include a timeshare with Marlon Mack.
Taylor brings with him an illustrious career at Wisconsin. He was a two-time Doak Walker Award winner and rushed for over 6,000 yards in three seasons. It’s safe to say he’s well-versed in carrying a backfield.
But Taylor’s rookie season won’t feature him as the only player in the Colts backfield. He will be splitting the workload and wants to make the most of his reps.
“You don’t count the reps, you make the reps count. So whenever you’re in, you’re on – make sure you are 100 percent,” Taylor told reporters yesterday. “Think about it, you are a professional now. When people are at their jobs – I know my mother is at her job and she likes to do everything correctly to a ‘T’ as perfect as possible. I’m taking the same approach here. I mean whenever my number is called I’m making sure I’m on at all times because it’s my job now.”
After taking Michael Pittman Jr. with the No. 34 overall pick, the Colts were on the clock 10 spots later. However, they felt it necessary to move up three spots in order to grab Taylor and add him to the offense.
Explosive, versatile and durable, Taylor has the makings to be a three-down workhorse for the Colts. He might not see that kind of usage during his first season but after 2020, there is a strong chance he is a full-on bellcow.
Taylor will make an impact right away for the Colts and even though it won’t be in a full capacity, Indy is excited to get this explosive rookie his share of touches.
