Jonathan Taylor may have had some issue with his contract with the Indianapolis Colts back in 2023 but they are all ironed out now and he has been very effective for the team since then. The Wisconsin Badgers alum continue to tighten his grip as one of the best running backs in the National Football League.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Executives and coaches were asked by ESPN who are the best running backs in the league right now and Taylor placed seventh. His ranking with the publication is higher than what he got from ProFootballFocus that put him outside of the Top 10.
The issue, however, is that he dropped two places from last year.
ESPN wrote:
Taylor’s dropping two spots from last season is a curious case. He pumped out 1,432 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024 despite uneven quarterback play. His speed is still elite. He turned 26 in January. And he’s the first back since Adrian Peterson (2007-11) to produce 6,000 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns through his first five NFL seasons.
One anonymous executive even thinks is underrated.
“Highly productive and can wear you down before breaking off a big run,” he was quoted as saying.
Taylor had a mediocre 2023 season by his own standard but he managed to crack 303 rushing attempts for 1,431 yards, well within his best year stat-wise in 2021.
2 more Wisconsin Badgers alum in Top 100
Taylor is no. 50 in Pete Prisco of CBS Sports Top 100 ranking but two other former Badgers stand out are placed higher.
Super Bowl winner Zack Baun of the Philadelphia Eagles is listed at no. 40 by the publication. He was previously unranked but found his niche with the Eagles, something that was very instrumental in their title run.
“The Eagles moved Baun from outside linebacker to inside linebacker and he became a star on their defense in his first season with the team. He plays both the run and the pass well and he can rush the passer,” Prisco said.
Highest ranked Badger is T.J. Watt who is currently having some issues with the team. He has been among the Top 15 best player in the league. He was no. 5 last season and is now at 11th place.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
