As the NFL Draft draws closer, Badgers Wire is exploring draft profiles of those who have declared. Up first is Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor. He possesses one of the finest resumes of anyone. Let’s take a look at how Taylor is expected to translate to the next level.
The most noticeable thing on Taylor’s resume are his back-to-back Doak Walker Award trophies. Given annually to the nation’s top running back, Taylor is one of three people who have won the award twice and the only running back from Wisconsin to do so. Given the track record of Badger backs, this is saying something.
As for the specs, Taylor is 5-11 and over 220 pounds. He has a powerful base and a frame built to play running back. In terms of his physique, he owns the size and durability to play in the NFL. Then there’s the matter of his speed. Taylor will obviously test at Pro Day or the Combine, but coming out of high school he was running a 4.4, and you can see that speed when he breaks away now.
The Badgers increased the number of passes he received in his junior year, likely preparing him to go to the next level. After catching only 16 passes in his first two years, the Badgers targeted Taylor 26 times for 252 yards and five touchdowns this past season. He may not be the most elite pass catcher coming out of the backfield, but he has certainly shown he is capable of producing in that component of a running back’s larger skill set.
Taylor is capable between the tackles and possesses enough acceleration to separate himself in the open field. He has solid vision and allows blocks to develop in front of him, showing his patience in the process. Taylor knows how to to square up and absorb blows while maintaining quick feet. Yes, he struggled with turnovers in 2019, but he also has an absurd workload for someone who is only a junior — three seasons with 1,900 rushing yards or more.
Taylor is going to be one of the top names mentioned at the running back position in the draft. Whether he’s the first running back off the board is going to depend on which teams fall in love with specific running backs, but it’s very hard to see him sliding beyond Day 2. Taylor has the ability to be a three-down back in the NFL, but his college workload may scare some teams away. Regardless of where Taylor goes, he will bring a strong work ethic and infectious locker room attitude.