It isn’t often that a running back selected in the second round of the draft is considered a sleeper but for Indianapolis Colts’ draft pick Jonathan Taylor, there are some at ESPN who feel the label is appropriate.
Though a sleeper typically revolves around a player that most either don’t know about or simply aren’t giving enough attention to, Taylor was listed as a sleeper by ESPN’s Eric Karabell and Tom Carpenter.
Taylor’s average draft position doesn’t really make him a true sleeper in the eyes of fantasy football managers. He’s one of the most hyped rookies and if he can take over the backfield, he will far exceed his draft cost.
However, it all depends on how the split works between him and Marlon Mack. The Colts see the duo working together and complementing each other nicely in a backfield that will be working behind one of the best run-blocking offensive lines in the entire league.
But how much work Taylor will get remains to be seen. Since 2011, running backs drafted in the second round have seen an average of 125 carries in their rookie season.
Given the likely favorable game scripts and the Colts’ desire to run the football, Taylor should exceed that number by a strong amount.
But splitting the backfield and giving up passing game work will limit his upside unless Mack gets hurt or Taylor proves to be too good to take off the field.