Even though the NFL offseason will likely be quiet this time around, fantasy football managers are hard at work trying to formulate a plan for the 2020 season. That includes those in dynasty leagues with a rookie draft coming up.
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Some leagues have already had their rookie drafts. Others likely are waiting to get more clarity on the offseason and preseason workout schedules, but the rookie drafts will happen regardless.
While the favorite to be the 1.01 in rookie drafts is Clyde Edwards-Helaire—and for good reason—those who believe in Jonathan Taylor shouldn’t be afraid to spend that first pick on him if they want to.
Sure, your league-mates might be up in arms wondering how you could pass up the likely starting running back for the Chiefs, taking Taylor at the 1.01 is hardly an unwise decision.
There are many factors that go into rookie drafts. For running backs, draft capital and opportunity are among the top aspects in a profile. Taylor has both.
The Colts liked Taylor so much that they traded up to get him even though they didn’t have to. They seriously believe in his talent and his ability to make the offense more explosive along with new quarterback Philip Rivers.
The main reason Taylor isn’t the consensus 1.01 is because of the shared backfield he will begin his career in. Taylor will undoubtedly split time with Marlon Mack. The Colts envision a 1-2 punch with the duo and that makes fantasy managers cringe.
But the Colts see Taylor as an immediate contributor. He is going to be used early and often in tandem with Mack and there’s a possibility he takes over the lead role by season’s end. Not to mention, dynasty leagues have a focus on the future as well.
Mack is in a contract year and with no signs of an extension in the works, Taylor can make an immediate impact in Year 1 while taking over a workhorse role in Year 2.
The Colts still want to be a balanced offense even after signing Rivers to be the starting quarterback. Taylor is a perfect fit for the Colts working behind their elite run-blocking offensive line and even if he’s limited to 10-12 carries per game, his explosiveness is elite.
Not to mention for those needing immediate impact, Taylor is ranked as having the sixth-best strength of schedule among running backs in fantasy football, per Pro Football Focus. This gives him plenty of chances to have huge games even in a tandem backfield.
Taking Edwards-Helaire is a wise move and will be the most popular and likely most sensible in rookie drafts at the 1.01.
But for those hesitant on him or for those believing in the talent of Taylor, he is well worthy of the first pick in rookie drafts and even though some of your league-mates might be confused, he will provide both immediate and long-term production on a strong, run-first offense.
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