[lawrence-newsletter]When the Indianapolis Colts traded up to land Jonathan Taylor in the second round, they added a potential three-down back to their RB room. Wisconsin fans do not have to be sold on the two-time Doak Walker Award winner’s potential in the NFL, but what environment is he entering into with the Colts? BadgersWire caught up with ColtsWire editor Kevin Hickey to talk about the situation that the former Badger inherits as a rookie.
BadgersWire: What did the Colts’ running back room look like in 2019, and what do you expect it to look like for this upcoming season?
ColtsWire: In 2019, the Colts’ running back room was led by Marlon Mack. He was the lead back in the rotation taking 247 carries for 1,091 yards and eight touchdowns. Nyheim Hines filled in as the pass catcher in the room while Jordan Wilkins and Jonathan Williams provided depth. Now, it is likely that Mack and Jonathan Taylor will form a 1-2 punch while Hines keeps his role as the pass catcher and Wilkins is there to provide more depth.
BadgersWire: Do you see Mack and Taylor being able to coexist well in the same backfield?
ColtsWire: Mack and Taylor are very nice complements to each other. Both are explosive backs who can break off a big play at anytime. Taylor might be a little more scheme versatile but they should fit very well together in the same backfield.
BadgersWire: With the addition of Philip Rivers at QB and Michael Pittman at WR do you expect this team to have a ground game identity or be a heavy passing team? Or will it be a solid mix of both?
ColtsWire: The offensive identity should be interesting. The Colts certainly love to run the ball, which is a big reason why Taylor should have success. But the addition of Rivers this offseason also means the Colts can rely more on their passing game than they did in 2019. I’d expect it to be a 60-40 split in favor of the pass.
BadgersWire: The Colts OL is one of the top groups in the league. What makes them such a solid unit?
ColtsWire: There are a lot of reasons. The consistency of the unit is remarkable. Each offensive lineman started all 16 games and each played over 1,000 snaps. They are also really good athletes who move well, which is a major point of emphasis. Add in their collective sound technique thanks to Chris Strausser and Frank Reich and it’s easy to see why they have so much success.
BadgersWire: What are your early predictions for Taylor in his rookie year?
ColtsWire: Taylor should have a big role during his rookie year, but since the colts don’t have to lean on him heavily, I see him having more of an early down role while splitting the workload with Mack. I could see him taking somewhere around 160-170 carries for roughly 750-800 yards and 5 TDs in his rookie season.