On Jeremy Fowler’s ranking of the top 10 running backs, which included insights from NFL execs, coaches, and scouts, the Indianapolis Colts‘ Jonathan Taylor came in at No. 7.
Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew has compiled his own running back rankings heading into the 2025 season over at NFL.com, and Taylor is also ranked as the seventh-best back here as well.
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“No matter who wins the starting gig, though, the Colts need Taylor to set the tone for the offense if they want to find success in 2025,” wrote Jones-Drew.
“He’s performed well with subpar QB play in the past and has the goods to do it again in 2025. I’m not going to doubt him, especially if he’s healthy. One thing to keep an eye on is the retooled offensive line.”
After battling injuries in 2022 and 2023, Taylor was mostly healthy last season and rushed for 1,431 yards, which was the fourth-most in football. He also averaged 4.7 yards per carry, good for the 11th-highest mark, and Taylor was top 10 in rushes of 10-plus yards as well, per PFF.
But going beyond Taylor’s production, Jones-Drew brings up two other important notes.
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The first is that while all eyes will be on the Colts’ quarterback battle, Taylor and the run game will be crucial in setting whoever is under center up for success by providing a strong run game to lean on.
When an offense is consistently ahead of the sticks, it keeps them out of predictable passing situations and can open opportunities through the air.
In addition to that, Jones-Drew also points out the bit of uncertainty that the Colts have on the offensive line. The presumed starters at center and right guard are Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves–two relatively inexperienced players.
In order for Taylor to find regular success, the offensive line has to provide him with rushing lanes.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ Jonathan Taylor top-10 in Maurice Jones-Drew’s 2025 RB rankings