The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor:
What he can do
– So patient and clever as an inside runner. Never in a hurry. Lets blocks develop and can think two or three steps ahead of second-level and backside defenders. Subtle little hesitation moves helped create running lanes. Turned so many 5-yard runs into long touchdowns
– Once he sees an alley, he can turn on the jets and get to top speed in an instant. Nice burst. Comes shooting out of traffic and into the second level
– Elite long speed. Track star ran 4.39 in the 40. Erases angles for linebackers and safeties. Doesn’t get caught from behind. Has acceleration and ability to sustain top speed over long distances
– Lower body is thick and powerful. Bounces off arm tackles. Legs are always moving, creating extra yards after contact. Balance through contact is terrific. Ideal frame for handling the tough work at the next level
– Stiff arm can be devastating in the open field. Gives would-be tacklers a small strike zone
– Fumbles are a legitimate concern. Opportunities will dry up in a hurry if the issue isn’t fixed at the next level
– Pass-catching skills are unrefined. Made strides catching the football but still inconsistent. Had drops and didn’t run many routes at Wisconsin. Impact early on in career could be limited
– Could be highly effective in the screen game. Vision working behind blocks is a top attribute
– Can see when edge contain breaks down and opportunities to bounce it outside emerge. Don’t let him get on the edge – cornerbacks won’t tackle him
– Sets up safeties with jab steps and shoulder dips, creating swing-and-miss tackles in the open field against last-stand defenders
– Effortless jump cuts left and right. Keeps shoulders centered allowing for instant acceleration out of the cuts
– Diving tackles at his ankles have very low success rate
– Handled almost 1,000 collegiate touches. How long will his body last? Teams
How he fits
The Packers have a strong one-two punch at running back with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, but both backs are entering the final year of their rookie contracts in 2020, and it’s likely at least one will depart next year. Taylor would provide another asset in the running game – Matt LaFleur has mentioned finding a third runner – while securing the future of the position in 2021 and beyond. Drafting Taylor could allow the Packers to avoid paying Jones – who is in line for a big payday – without sacrificing the impact at running back in LaFleur’s offense. Or the Packers could pay Jones, pair him with Taylor and give Aaron Rodgers two difference-making players to help lessen the load on offense over his final few years in Green Bay.
NFL comp
Arian Foster. Both are smooth, explosive and tough runners. Taylor is faster over long distances. Can Taylor develop a similar level of receiving skills? He’ll be a multi-year Pro Bowler if he adds the passing game aspect.
Where Packers could get him
Taylor’s standout performance at the combine could make him a first-round pick, but he’ll likely be available at No. 30 overall. If teams are scared off by his fumbling problems, lack of production in the passing game and collegiate usage, there’s a good chance he’ll fall to Day 2. Most teams just don’t value running back anymore, and for good reason. Tayor will be attractive for many teams outside the first round.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
WR Laviska Shenault
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant