With the help of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler ranked the top 10 running backs ahead of the 2024 season and featured on the list was the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor.
Below is a look at what went into this ranking process:
“Voters give us their best 10 players at a position, then we compile the results and rank candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film-study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. In total, nearly 80 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed help us break any ties.”
Despite Taylor playing in only 10 games last season due to injuries, he would come in at No. 5 on this list. Ahead of Taylor was Christian McCaffrey at No. 1, followed by Breece Hall, Nick Chubb, and Saquon Barkley.
“Still explosive — last year he was beat up,” an AFC scout told ESPN. “The Colts eased him into things. But he’s probably the best combination of size and straight-line speed right now.”
Being injured during the last offseason, along with starting the season that way, resulted in Taylor playing catchup for much of the season, as he put it.
However, Taylor would still total 741 yards last season, which included a 188-yard rushing performance in Week 18 against Houston, along with scoring seven touchdowns on the ground.
Now fully healthy and “feeling great,” as Taylor told reporters, GM Chris Ballard believes that Taylor is in for a “really big year.”
In addition to being healthy, contributing to that potential big year in 2024 for Taylor will be playing behind a Colts’ offensive line unit that bounced back in a big way last season and is returning all five starters this season.
Taylor will also be sharing the backfield with Anthony Richardson after the two were on the field together for only two snaps in 2023. The combination of Taylor and Richardson in Shane Steichen’s RPO-heavy offense will really stress opposing defenses.
Michael Pittman’s steady presence at receiver, coupled with a Year 2 leap from Josh Downs and the addition of AD Mitchell could result in fewer heavy boxes that Taylor will have to contend with as well.
“Expecting a huge year from him,” an AFC executive said to ESPN. “Still an impact player.”
A big year from Taylor will go a long way in helping Richardson. A young quarterback’s best friend can often be the run game, helping to keep the offense out of predictable long down-and-distances while also helping to open up opportunities in the passing game.
