Wisconsin Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor has been one of the best backs in college football in the last few years. Whoever drafts him in April — if he decides to forgo his senior season — is going to get an immediate impact player. So what teams should be trying to get their hands on Taylor? Let's breakdown the three best landing spots for Taylor, either in the first- or second round.
3. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have Latavius Murray on a cheap contract, so it would make sense if they want to keep him in a role he has been very successful in. If the team wants to move on from him, however, or want a player for when he is gone, Taylor would be the perfect addition to the Saints.
Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara were a perfect 1-2 punch and there is no reason that can't be the case with Kamara and Taylor. The Badgers is a big bruising back that loves to run between the tackles. He also has the speed to get outside and get into a foot race with defenders — an ideal pairing with Kamara.
2. Atlanta Falcons
In a sense, Taylor is a lot like current Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, meaning he would be a perfect replacement for him. Freeman is only 27 years old, but he has had issues staying on the field. When Freeman is out with injuries, the Falcons have problems running the ball.
The one big concern for the Falcons is they have a lot of other draft needs to fill, and taking a running back in the first couple of rounds might not be in their agenda. If the team does decide they want a playmaker on offense early in April, they need to take a long look at Taylor.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
All signs seem to point towards Melvin Gordon leaving the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason, which means the team is going to be in the market for another running back.
Austin Ekeler is a restricted free agent and should be back next year. He could take over the number one role, but it might make more sense to keep him in the pass-catching role and get a bruising back to run in between the tackles.
The Chargers' first-round draft pick is probably going to be too high to take Jonathan Taylor, but if he is still on the draft board when they pick in the second round, they need to run to the podium to take him.