> Running back
Jonathan Taylor (JR)
Wisconsin
Measurables: Height: 5’10” Weight: 226 lbs.
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40 Time: 4.39
NFL COMBINE: 36” vertical 123” broad 4.24 sec. 20 yd 7.01 sec. 3-cone 17 bench reps
2019 stats: 320 carries 2,003 yards (6.26 ypc) 21 TDs 26 receptions 252 yards | 5 TDs
In a Nut Shell:
BEST GAME:
Running Game: Taylor has a great blend of speed and power. He shows excellent vision and patience as a runner. He waits until he sees an opening in a defense and then quickly exposes it by exploding through the line and getting downhill. He does a great job squaring his shoulders and running behind his pads, which allows him to pack a punch when defenders try to meet him head-on. He also has the speed and quick burst to turn the corner and get separation in the open field, which leads to big plays on the field.
Fit with the Packers:
Taylor’s entire career at Wisconsin was nothing short of outstanding. The New Jersey native ran for a whopping 6,174 yards and 50 touchdowns, making him the first player in FBS history to eclipse the 6,000-yard mark in just three seasons. Combine the incredible production with rare football traits and impressive athletic testing and it is easy to see why Taylor is one of the best running back prospects to come out of college in the past decade.
Wisconsin entered its ninth game of the 2019 season in a close battle with Iowa for a spot in the Big Ten Championship. At the time, Wisconsin ranked 13th in the nation and Iowa 18th. In a tough, hard-fought 24–22 win over the Hawkeyes, Taylor ran for 250 yards on 31 carries. He averaged over eight yards per carry against a very stingy Iowa front seven, and many of his big runs came late in the fourth quarter when the Badgers were only up one score and trying to put the game away.
Taylor would fit any NFL offense or scheme. However, the Packers could pair his dynamic downhill running style with Aaron Jones’ ability to make plays out in space. Taylor could also easily develop into the future at the position for the Packers, especially if they were looking for a true feature back who can haul the rock for 20 carries a game.
Passing Game: Taylor has underrated hands for a tailback. While his rushing garners national attention, he can also be utilized as a threat in the passing game. This is a part of his game that really developed in his final year at Wisconsin. He caught 26 passes as a junior. He is effective in running routes out in the flat and then using his agility to make defenders miss. He can also use his speed to create a mismatch against linebackers across the middle of the field.
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