With a new contract and a healthy summer, Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor is anticipated to have a significant impact in 2024.
Finally seeing Taylor and dual-threat quarterback Anthony Richardson on the field together raises hopes for the Colts offense’s future.
Some unidentified NFL executives and scouts agree, ranking Taylor as the league’s fifth-best running back heading into 2024.
“Expecting a huge year from him,” an AFC executive told ESPN. “Still an impact player.”
After missing the first four games of the 2023 season due to an ankle ailment and a contract disagreement, Taylor played only two snaps with Richardson before the latter’s season was cut short due to a shoulder injury.
With both Richardson and Taylor potentially taking a handoff to the house, Shane Steichen’s RPO offense can thrive even more.
“Still explosive — last year he was beaten up,” an AFC scout told ESPN. “The Colts eased him into it. But he arguably has the best combination of size and straight-line speed right now.”
Taylor still demonstrated plenty of explosiveness and a knack for the end zone in 11 games during the 2023 season.
Taylor began receiving his usual workload during the team’s final 11 games of the season. He missed three games because of thumb surgery. Taylor, however, was playing at a top level in the five games preceding and three games after.
Taylor rushed for 704 yards and seven touchdowns on 155 carries across eight games, with 13 receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown.
At a 17-game pace, Taylor would have 329 runs for 1,496 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, as well as 28 receptions for 193 receiving yards and two scores.
Taylor’s second year with Steichen’s offense makes it easy to anticipate a strong year from him.
