8. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
After starting a bit slow in 2020, the rookie running back out of Wisconsin blossomed into a very solid three-down back. In fact, in his last game of the regular season, Taylor amassed for a whomping 253 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He finished the season with 1,169 rushing yards, 36 receptions for an additional 299 yards, and 12 total touchdowns. He ended the season as the sixth-best running back in fantasy football leagues.
Things should only get better for the 22-year-old as he enters his second season in the NFL. The Colts employ a top-five offensive line, and recently traded for quarterback Carson Wentz to take the recently retired Philip Rivers’ place. The change at quarterback might take a little bit of time for Taylor to get used to, but overall, it should equate to more space for the second-year running back. Wentz is the type of quarterback who can scramble and use his legs. Defenses won’t be able to focus all of their attention on Taylor, especially with the emergence of Michael Pittman Jr.
I don’t expect Taylor to dominate right off the bat, but owners should employ patience. He will finish as a top-10 running back in 2021.
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