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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor turned in a spectacular rookie campaign despite a three-game lull at midseason.
The second-round pick wound up leading all rookies with 1,169 rushing yards and was tied for first with 11 rushing touchdowns. He finished the campaign with the third-highest rushing yards in the league behind only Derrick Henry (2,027) and Dalvin Cook (1,557).
All of that, combined with his efficient receiving production, earned Taylor a spot on Pro Football Focus’ 2020 All-Rookie team.
There were several rookie running backs who had strong first seasons —making this position a difficult one to nail down to just one player — but the way that Taylor finished the regular season for Indianapolis is what earned first-team honors.
From Week 11 through the end of the regular season, Taylor’s 91.2 rushing grade ranked second in the league to Derrick Henry. His 33 missed tackles forced on the ground fell behind only Henry and Nick Chubb over that same stretch. It wasn’t always pretty early on, but Taylor started to find his footing in this run game as the season progressed.
Taylor’s receiving ability — not something that was considered a strength coming out of Wisconsin — was a pleasant surprise, as well. He led all rookie running backs in PFF receiving grade (73.3), and he dropped just one of his 38 targets on the year. Continuing to develop that part of his game will be big heading into 2021.
In a class that featured strong rookie backs like James Robinson, Antonio Gibson and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Taylor stands above all of them. It took him a bit to really hit his stride but from Week 11 on, he was one of the best running backs in all of football.
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor from Week 11 on:
* 741 rushing yards (2nd most in NFL)
* 7 rushing TD (3rd most)
* 6.2 yards/carryHe finished with 1,169 yards and 11 TD this season, becoming the 8th rookie ever with 1,000+ rushing yards, 10+ TD & 5.0+ yards/carry. Workhorse.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 4, 2021
All of that includes him missing a game due to being a close contact to COVID-19.
Taylor helped carry the Colts to the postseason as the leader of its rushing attack, and he deserves any praise he has coming his way this offseason.
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