From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#23 Jonathan Taylor/RB Wisconsin – 5’11 219
The Good
– Well-built frame with big lower half
– One of the most patient runners you’ll find, excels in gap schemes with ability to follow blocks, let run develop, then find the hole
– Creates space by pressing the hole and getting LBs to bite, vision to bounce/bend runs and find open grass
– Tough runner with play strength and contact balance, runs through arm tackles against corners and safeties
– Runs hard with leg drive to push pile and fall forward at the end of runs
– Clear, downhill run style who gets North/South without much dancing or playing out of his element
– Willing pass protector who squares up and willing to sacrifice his body
– Works hard as a receiver; not natural but runs hard, explosive routes and works to catch away from his frame
– Elite, consistent production against quality competition, excellent starting experience
– Excels in short-yardage, goal line situations
– Showed durability despite intense workload
The Bad
– Average to below average athlete who lacks second gear in space, will get chased down at the end of his runs
– Not a particularly explosive or sudden player, has vision to see the lane but doesn’t always have acceleration to get through second level
– Will struggle to maximize space due to limited athleticism
– Tendency to run too tall while in the open field
– Will fight the ball as a receiver and body catches too often
– Often rotated out on 3rd downs and didn’t have to be part of pass game, hardly caught any passes until 2019
– Obvious concerns about workload and career carries
Bio
– 40 career starts
– Career: 926 carries, 6174 yards (6.