Regarding the NFL draft, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard has made several outstanding decisions. One of his best moves was trading up for Jonathan Taylor in 2020. Luke Schultheis of Stampede Blue wrote about that:
“The Indianapolis Colts selected star workhorse Jonathan Taylor with the 41st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, which was acquired from the Cleveland Browns in a ‘Day 2’ trade. In that slight trade up, the Colts traded the 44th pick and the 160th pick to the Browns in order to ensure they secured Taylor over the rumored to be interested divisional rival Jacksonville Jaguars, who ended up taking wide receiver Laviska Shenault. Picks 44 and 160 didn’t turn into much for the Browns.”
Again, Ballard has a knack for making wise draft decisions. Drafting linebacker Zaire Franklin in the seventh round (2018) and selecting wide receiver Josh Downs in the third round (2023) are prime examples. Trading up for Jonathan Taylor, though, was phenomenal as the Colts landed a superstar running back.
Taylor has emerged as one of the best running backs in Colts history. He has joined the likes of Hall of Famers Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, and Edgerrin James.
Looking Back at the Colts Acquiring Jonathan Taylor
Taylor’s Career
Jonathan Taylor had an immediate impact in Indy, rushing for 1,169 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team that year.
Taylor was dominant during the 2021 season. He led the league in rushing yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18). As a result, he earned First-Team All-Pro honors and was runner-up for Offensive Player of the Year.
Due to injury, Jonathan Taylor failed to reach 900 yards in each of the following two seasons. However, he bounced back last year, rushing for 1,431 yards and 11 touchdowns. Taylor also was named to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career. He was one of the few bright spots for the Colts, who finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs once again.
Will He Have an Outstanding 2025 Season?
Trading up for Jonathan Taylor wasn’t just one of the greatest moves in the Chris Ballard era. It was also one of the greatest moves in franchise history. Taylor is a Colts legend despite only having played five seasons.
When healthy, Taylor is certainly fun to watch and always gives the Colts a chance to win. Will he have a great 2025 campaign? He certainly can, if he avoids the injury bug.
ESPN’s Mike Clay is projecting Taylor will carry the ball 301 times and total 1,392 yards with 10 rushing touchdowns. When you break it down, that’s an average of 4.6 yards per rush attempt. Clay also has Taylor playing 14 games. And that’s realistic. He played 14 games last season as well.
Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will battle for the Colts’ starting quarterback job this year. Whoever wins will need as much help as possible from the team’s offensive weapons. Indianapolis has talented playmakers like Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and rookie Tyler Warren. But Jonathan Taylor remains Indy’s best offensive player. And look for him to have a productive 2025 season.
Main Photo: Grace Hollars – Imagn Images
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