After deciding against trading back into the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts used their first two picks on a pair of prospects who should have immediate impacts at their respective positions.
The selections of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (No. 34 overall) and running back Jonathan Taylor (No. 41 overall) have been met with extreme praise and it’s no surprise they both have been listed as candidates to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award multiple times this offseason.
The latest comes from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, who ranked his top-10 candidates for the award.
4) Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
If Taylor manages to wrangle the lion’s share of carries away from Marlon Mack this year, he could challenge Burrow for the title of top offensive rookie. Taylor spent three seasons as the ramrod for Wisconsin’s downhill rushing attack and should fit right in with the bully ball that the Colts like to play behind their talented offensive line. Mack, who’s in a contract year, has been consistently productive when healthy, but he’s missed time in each of his three seasons, which could portend more rookie carries for Taylor than some expect.
The biggest question remaining with Taylor is simply the workload. Will he take the majority of work from Mack or will the veteran hold on to a strong role in the backfield. That’s the only thing keeping Taylor from being a favorite to be the OROY.
Pittman Jr. rounded out the list at No. 10.
10) Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
Having Pittman ranked ahead of a player like CeeDee Lamb might surprise some people, but that decision is a reflection of my opinion that Pittman’s in a better situation for rookie success. We know Philip Rivers is not afraid to find a favorite target and seek that player out over and over again. While T.Y. Hilton is still a very talented receiver, he’s small (for his position) and fast, which might not make him the optimal fit for Rivers’ arm strength. On the other hand, Pittman is a big target with good ball skills and toughness who might work his way into the good graces of the veteran quarterback early on.
While the USC product will certainly have to earn it, he has a clear path to production in Year 1. He’s the best suited wide receiver to be the X in the formation while his skill set and body type is exactly what has had success with Rivers in the past.
The Colts got some valuable talent with their first two selections in 2020 and if there is a season to be played, one of them could come home with some hardware.