The Indianapolis Colts were mulling over several prospects during the early part of the second round in the 2020 NFL draft, and running back Jonathan Taylor was among those targets.
While the Colts stood at No. 34 to take wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., they kept discussing who they might want to take next at No. 44. Taylor’s name kept popping up in the potential prospects. With the spot quickly approaching, Chris Ballard and the decision-makers kept talking about Taylor.
Finally, owner Jim Irsay chimed in and sparked Ballard to make the trade up to No. 41 with the Cleveland Browns to grab Taylor.
It was a shocking move to say the least. While Taylor had been floated in pre-draft discussions as a potential target for the Colts, it was expected that Indy would trade up for him—it’s a move that Ballard has seldom made.
But with Irsay’s backing, Ballard made the move to jump three spots while giving the No. 160 pick to the Browns. The Colts got a talented running back to fulfill the potential of the elite offensive line while giving Philip Rivers another weapon.
The draft is a crazy time, especially now with everything being done remotely. And it’s an interesting tidbit that Irsay spoke up and encouraged Ballard to make the trade to get Taylor.
