When Jonathan Taylor came out of Wisconsin as one of the greatest running backs in the history of college football everybody knew what he could do with the ball in his hands.
That production, one which led the Indianapolis Colts to draft the running back in the second round, amounted to a total of 6581 all-purpose yards in college, 6.8 yards-per-touch and 55 total touchdowns. All-time stats.
One thing, though, that every running back must excel at if they want to stick around in the NFL is pass blocking and picking up blitzing defenders.
Taylor has the frame, the football IQ and the work ethic to develop well in that category, but if you want some video proof here is Brian Baldinger breaking down one of his impressive reps in pass protection.
.@colts #JonathanTaylor with a clinic in blitz pickup. All you HS, CFB, #NFL running backs who aren’t good at this skill need to study Taylor. @nflnetwork #Colts #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/zveUM9sDKr
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 13, 2020
“All you HS, CFB, NFL running backs who aren’t good at this skill need to study Taylor,” Baldinger wrote. High praise for a running back who has only played five NFL games.
His 307 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, 12 receptions and 107 receiving yards are solid numbers for a rookie in his first five games. But if you want to really consider his staying power in the league the film breakdown above is what you should point to.
Taylor is a complete back and will only get better as he gains experience. I think it’s safe to say the Colts are happy with only having to use a second-round pick on the Badger great.