Jonathan Taylor has been one of the top running backs in the nation for two years now. He continued to show his worth in the Big 10 Championship Game against Ohio State. When draft day rolls around, Taylor will be given a new home and there is one team out west that could use an every down back.
Against the Buckeyes, Taylor carried the ball 20 times for 148 yards. He got the scoring started with a 44-yard touchdown run on the Badgers' first possession. Taylor ranks top three in the nation in carries (299), rushing yards (1,909), and rushing touchdowns (21). There is no doubt that Taylor is a first round talent.
The Los Angeles Chargers could be in the market for a running back, but will they take Taylor with one of their first couple of picks?
Chargers' RB Situation
Melvin Gordon has led the Chargers in rushing in each of the last three seasons. He has emerged as one of the top talents in the league and wants to be paid like one. This season is the final year on his five-year rookie contract. Gordon held out at the beginning of the season and decided to end it in September after 64 days. Holding out might have been the worst thing for Gordon's future with the Chargers.
Austin Ekeler had a chance to showcase his talents when Gordon wasn't playing. He proved to be a serious threat in the receiving game, while carrying the ball effectively as well. At age 24, Ekeler is two years younger than Gordon and also in the final year of his contract. He will be a restricted free agent after the season. Bringing Ekeler back would give the Chargers a versatile player who will be much cheaper than Gordon.
This would leave Los Angeles in search of a three-down back. As much as Ekeler has grown, he is not a back that can carry the load over the course of an entire season. He is a strong third down back who can destroy a defense in the screen game.
Ekeler paired with a true ball carrier makes for a dynamic backfield. Enter Taylor. The Wisconsin product has been one of the most used backs in college football and has done so without any setbacks. Taylor is the type of running back who could come in and contribute immediately, similar to Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas.
It is unknown whether the Chargers will use their first or second-round pick on a running back. In Taylor's case, there is no guarantee that he slips to the second round, so Los Angeles will be faced with a decision come draft night.
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