Best Value | Jonathan Taylor | RB | 2.41
At some point, it was expected the Colts would add to the running back room. Maybe it would come through a late-round pick. Or maybe Ballard would sign a veteran off the street. But not many truly expected the Colts to take a running back this early—let alone trade up for one.
But that’s what happens when arguably the best running back prospect in the draft falls to the middle of the second round. After Clyde Edwards-Helaire got fantasy football managers hot and bothered by going to the Chiefs and D’Andre Swift did quite the opposite going to Detriot, the Colts felt it was time to move up for Taylor.
[lawrence-related id=43779]
In fact, the idea of trading up for the Wisconsin prospect wasn’t really in motion until Colts owner Jim Irsay suggested it.
“There was a group of about six or seven players at 34 that we were kind of talking through and Jonathan (Taylor) was in that group,” Ballard said after Day 2 of the draft. “Then all of a sudden it was at 36, 37 we started talking and actually Mr. (Jim) Irsay said, ‘Chris (Ballard), y’all have been talking about this guy and how much you love him. Y’all need to go get him.’ So at that point we became aggressive and worked out a deal with Cleveland.”
Taylor’s fit with the Colts is undeniable. His skill set is perfect to be a workhorse back in the league and while the Colts won’t use him that way—at least in Year 1—he has the chance to break off a 50-yard run at any point, especially working behind the Colts’ stout offensive line.
Even though it was a luxury pick, Taylor immediately makes the Colts offensive more explosive. Seeing as he was projected to be a first-round pick, he’s the best value in the draft for Indy.