NFL rookie power rankings for Week 2
By Scott Rogust
RB. Indianapolis Colts. player. Scouting Report. Jonathan Taylor. 2.. 46. Pick Analysis
The Indianapolis Colts offense took a hit in their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as starting running back Marlon Mack went down with a torn Achilles tendon. Upon leaving, Nyheim Hines took the majority of the starting snaps, leaving many fantasy football owners putting in their top waiver claims for him. However, those individuals should have been aware that rookie Jonathan Taylor was looming in the background, waiting to strike. And in Week 2, he struck.
Facing off a tough Minnesota Vikings defense (on paper), Taylor rushed for 101 yards and one touchdown on 26 carries, while catching two passes for nine yards. As for Hines, he didn’t log a single carry, but did catch one pass from quarterback Phillip Rivers for four yards.
Taylor was a monster during his collegiate career with the Wisconsin Badgers, as evidenced by his two consecutive Doak Walker Awards for best running back in all of college football. Many felt he’d be a perfect fit for any running back-needy team entering the NFL Draft. The Colts didn’t necessarily need Taylor, but they were so enamored with him that they traded up in the second-round to secure his services, and put him behind one of the best offensive lines in the game. If Taylor keeps this up for the remainder of the season, he’s an easy Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.