INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WSAU-WRN) — Wisconsin Badger RB Jonathan Taylor is in Indianapolis to showcase his skills ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft in Las Vegas.
The record-setting RB spoke with reporters on Wednesday and said it’s an honor to have the chance to continue his football career, especially when you consider the greats that have played his position.
“Herschel Walker is like the gold standard for a Running Back. Barry Sanders- his ability to make people miss when nothing is there- to be mentioned with those guys is an honor,” said Taylor.
He says his biggest goal is to prove himself as an every-down back, which includes a good showing in the famed 40-yard dash drill.
“I’m really trying my best to crack that 4.4 (second time). That would show I have that long-distance speed.”
Taylor says he’s unsure what teams will be interviewing him. With the way the combine works, players often don’t know that information in advance and are only told what room to go to, not who they will be meeting with.
The New Jersey native set several NCAA records in his three seasons including most 200+ yard games with 12 and most career rushing yards through a player’s Sophomore and Junior season. He was also named All-Big Ten in each of his three seasons with the Badgers and was twice named first-team All-American.
He also collected numerous Big Ten player and Freshmen of the Week awards.
NFL.com grades Taylor as a 6.46, meaning he projects to be an NFL starter within two seasons. The website draftsite.com currently projects him to be a late first or early second-round selection. As of Thursday their full seven-round mock draft has Taylor going to the Super Bowl champion Chiefs with the 32nd pick.
Taylor is one of four Badgers participating in the scouting event. Others include WR Quintez Cephus, OL Tyler Biadasz. and LB Zach Baun. All four are projected to be selected in the first six rounds of the draft. with Biadasz projected to go off the board first to the Minnesota Vikings at #25.
