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2020 NFL Draft position rankings: Top 10 running backs

By Jacob Schyvinck

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 30: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a first down during the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 30: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a first down during the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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2020 NFL Draft rankings running backs
Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the football (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

3. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor was one of the most prolific backs in college football history but isn’t the consensus top back in the draft as his college production might indicate. Like Swift, Taylor has received the honorary title of “RB1” for some analysts in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Taylor has the best vision in the entire class. His ability to quickly diagnose everything in front of him and slide into the correct gap accordingly is fantastic. Taylor also shows great patience waiting for the play to develop and uses that great patience to get defenders to commit before making an initial cut.

His track career certainly shows up on tape. Taylor was a New Jersey state champion in the 100-meter dash, posting a 10.49. He’s kept that speed and is a threat to take runs to the house at any point. Once Taylor gets in space, it’s going to be near impossible to catch him. Taylor is a bruiser and will fit the bell cow role very well in the NFL, as he’s tough to bring down when the legs are churning.

There are some concerns. He isn’t the best laterally but should be able to get by wherever he ends up. Taylor needs to continue to take steps forward as a receiver as he did in 2019 to become a sure-fire three-down player. Ball security is the other glaring issue for Taylor after having 18 fumbles in three years at Wisconsin.

  • Grade: Second Round
  • Comparison: Nick Chubb
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