Why Fantasy Football Managers Should Pay Attention to Jonathan Taylor in Upcoming Drafts
An analysis of Jonathan Taylor's recent performance and its implications for the 2025 fantasy football draft.
As we approach the 2025 Fantasy Football draft season, Jonathan Taylor, the running back for the Indianapolis Colts, is frequently being overlooked in early drafts. This is primarily due to the overall performance of the Colts’ offense during the 2024 season. However, Taylor’s stellar performance in the final weeks of the last season suggests he could be a valuable pick earlier than his current average draft position (ADP).
Taylor’s Late Surge
In the last three games of the 2024 season, Taylor took center stage in the Colts’ offense, accumulating 95 rush attempts for 520 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, which averages out to an impressive 31 PPR points per game. If extrapolated over a full season, this would project to 1,738 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns.
The opportunity for touchdowns becomes more likely with Daniel Jones taking the first-team snaps, as he can optimize red zone scoring potential. In contrast, Taylor’s value may be jeopardized if he has to share touches with rookie D.J. Giddens or Khalil Herbert. Nonetheless, Taylor’s efficiency suggests he can still emerge as a top Fantasy asset in 2025.
Potential Risks
While Taylor held promise, his advanced metrics showed a decline in performance in 2025. His missed tackle rate dropped to 11.9%, ranking him among the lower tier of running backs. Furthermore, he struggled to break away for explosive plays, as fewer than 9% of his runs registered as long gains.
Future Projections
Expert Jamey Eisenberg has emphasized that Taylor should still be regarded as a premier Fantasy running back available in Round 2 of drafts due to his ability to generate substantial points, particularly in leagues that favor rush-heavy performances. Over the 2024 season, Taylor made a compelling case for his value despite his low reception rates, standing out in the ground game.
This is why even amidst questions about his immediate future and potential competition at the position, Taylor could still be considered a primary asset in all Fantasy leagues for the upcoming season.
