ProFootballFocus tweeted their projections for which rookie running back will lead the group in carries this season and Wisconsin great Jonathan Taylor was No. 1 on their list with a projected carry total of 212.4.
Projected rushing attempts among rookie RBs:
1. Jonathan Taylor – 212.4
2. D'Andre Swift – 178.7 pic.twitter.com/sbpAtjP0R5— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 23, 2020
Too much tread his tires to lead an NFL backfield? It’s clear PFF doesn’t think so.
During draft season much of the talk surrounding Taylor was about his greatness in college, remarkable skillset but also about his carry total leading the Badgers’ backfield for three seasons.
To his advantage he’s now in an environment in Indianapolis with a stellar change-of-pace back in Marlon Mack and one of the league’s best offensive lines. Will the carry total be a story during the season? Most likely, especially if he explodes onto the scene and make teams regret letting him fall to the middle of the second round.
But given the environment he landed in including the offensive talent around him, the teams’ commitment to running the ball, PFF’s projections and the fact that the Colts traded up to select Taylor, it’s become apparent that his 926 carries as a Badger do not present much of a red flag and the team is ready to make him their feature back.