Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was ranked outside the top 10 in ESPN’s survey rankings ahead of the 2021 season.
Taylor was in the “Honorable Mention” group along with Kareem Hunt, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Miles Sanders. An anonymous AFC scout did say Taylor will be a top-five back by the end of the year.
“Honorable mention
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: “He’ll be a top-5 back by the end of the season. Watch him in the second half of last year. He’s coming.” — AFC scout”
Thanks to a massive second half, Taylor wound up leading all rookies in rushing yards (1,169) while tying for the lead in rushing touchdowns (11) with Antonio Gibson.
Taylor is the fourth running back since 2002 to record at least 1,000 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns and 5.0 yards per carry during his rookie season. The others were Clinton Portis, Adrian Peterson, Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley.
Taylor is set up nicely for an encore season. The Colts will be returning four of their starters on the offensive line and signed veteran Pro Bowler Eric Fisher to replace Anthony Castonzo at left tackle.
It shouldn’t be expected for Taylor to average 6.7 yards per carry like he did during Weeks 13-17 to end the season but if he puts together an entire season of consistency, it will be hard to keep him out of the top-10 moving forward.