2020 NFL Draft: Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor scouting report

Strength

Whether it is a classic grinding power back or a third-down specialist, strength and the ability to shed defenders is important for an NFL running back. With the average NFL linebacker weighing in at 248 pounds and the average running back only at 216 pounds, a great power-to-weight ratio is integral to making plays and punishing opposing defenders.

Taylor is a strong runner who is able to push through contact at any point in the run. His strong running produces valuable yards after contact and adds a physical tone to the offense that cannot be undervalued. As previously mentioned, “the legs feed the wolf,” and Taylor is one of the few talents of the 2020 NFL draft who is capable of sweeping the legs out from underneath the wolf.

There are two types of application of strength on a physical run by any good running back: the ability to push back linebackers and the ability to shed secondary players. With the average size advantage in favor of linebackers, running backs are not expected to run through them, but should be able to produce a handful of yards after contact whenever contact is made.

The second kind of strength comes into play on longer runs when a running back is able to make it to the second level thanks to good blocking and sheds safeties for additional yardage. Taylor possesses both of these applications of strength and is able to extend both short-yardage runs and big-time plays.

Strong runners can be found in the 2020 NFL draft with a variety of complimenting skill sets, but no other prospects even compare to the pure running strength of Taylor this year.