Jonathan Taylor Lands at 14th in PFF Running Back Rankings for Indianapolis Colts

In the world of NFL player evaluation, Pro Football Focus (PFF) rankings stand out for their depth, as they combine film analysis with advanced metrics to assess every player’s performance on a play-by-play basis. For running backs, PFF evaluates factors like rushing efficiency, pass protection, receiving ability, and situational performance—making a top-15 ranking a significant recognition of well-rounded skill. Jonathan Taylor Lands at 14th in PFF Running Back Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is a testament to Taylor’s resilience and adaptability, especially after a season where he overcame injuries and adjusted to a new offensive scheme. After finishing just outside the top 20 in PFF’s rankings last year, Taylor’s jump into the top 15 reflects improvements in key areas, including his ability to break tackles and contribute in the passing game. For Colts fans, this ranking confirms what they’ve long known: Taylor remains one of the league’s most dynamic running backs, capable of changing the outcome of a game with a single play.

Jonathan Taylor Lands at 14th in PFF Running Back Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is driven largely by his elite rushing efficiency, a category where he ranked among the top 10 running backs in the NFL this season. PFF’s rushing grade focuses on yards gained above expectation, accounting for factors like offensive line play, down, distance, and opponent strength—and Taylor excelled here, averaging 4.8 yards per carry against stacked boxes (defenses with 8+ players near the line of scrimmage), well above the league average of 3.2. What sets Taylor apart is his combination of power and speed: at 5’11” and 226 pounds, he can break through arm tackles with his lower-body strength, then accelerate past linebackers for long gains. This season, he recorded 12 runs of 20+ yards, the most he’s had since his 2021 All-Pro campaign. PFF also highlighted Taylor’s situational awareness, noting his ability to read defensive fronts and cut back to find open running lanes—an skill that has made him a reliable option in short-yardage and goal-line situations. These rushing-specific strengths form the foundation of Taylor’s ranking, solidifying his status as a premiere ball-carrier.

Jonathan Taylor Lands at 14th in PFF Running Back Rankings for Indianapolis Colts also reflects his growth as a pass-catching threat, an area where he made significant strides this season. PFF’s receiving grade evaluates a running back’s ability to catch passes, block in pass protection, and create yards after the catch—and Taylor’s grade here jumped 12 points from last year, moving him from the bottom half of the league to the top 15. This improvement was intentional: Taylor worked with the Colts’ wide receivers coaches in the offseason to refine his route-running, focusing on crisp cuts and better timing with the quarterback. The results were clear: he caught 65% of his targets (up from 58% last year) and averaged 7.2 yards after the catch, including a 45-yard touchdown reception where he outran two defensive backs to the end zone. PFF also praised Taylor’s pass protection, noting his ability to pick up blitzing linebackers and keep the quarterback upright—a skill often overlooked but critical for third-down situations. This growth as a three-down back (effective in rushing, receiving, and blocking) was key to Taylor’s rise in the rankings.

Jonathan Taylor Lands at 14th in PFF Running Back Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is a crucial development for the Indianapolis Colts’ offense, which relies on Taylor’s versatility to keep defenses off balance. The Indianapolis Colts run a zone-blocking scheme that requires the running back to read the offensive line’s blocks and make quick decisions—and Taylor’s mastery of this system has made him the focal point of the offense. When Taylor is playing at his best, the Colts’ offense becomes more dynamic: defenses have to commit extra players to stop the run, which opens up passing lanes for the quarterback and creates opportunities for wide receivers to get open deep. The Indianapolis Colts’ offensive coordinator has noted that Taylor’s ranking “validates our game plan,” as it shows that opposing defenses can’t focus solely on stopping the pass or the run—they have to prepare for both. For example, in a recent win against the Houston Texans, Taylor rushed for 112 yards and caught 3 passes for 45 yards, forcing the Texans to adjust their defense mid-game and creating openings for other playmakers. This ability to command attention from defenses is what makes Taylor such a valuable asset to the Indianapolis Colts.

Jonathan Taylor Lands at 14th in PFF Running Back Rankings for Indianapolis Colts also underscores the impact of the Colts’ offensive line, which played a key role in Taylor’s success this season. PFF’s rankings account for offensive line support, but even with that adjustment, Taylor’s individual talent shines through—and the Indianapolis Colts’ line deserves credit for creating the opportunities that let Taylor showcase his skills. The Colts’ offensive line, which features two Pro Bowl-caliber players, ranked 8th in PFF’s run-blocking grade this season, consistently opening up holes for Taylor and giving him time to make decisions. This partnership between Taylor and the line is symbiotic: the line’s strong blocking lets Taylor use his speed and power, while Taylor’s ability to break tackles and extend plays makes the line’s job easier by creating positive yards even when blocks aren’t perfect. The Indianapolis Colts recognized this connection in the offseason, signing key offensive line starters to extensions to ensure continuity—and Taylor’s ranking is a direct result of that investment. For the Colts, this shows that building a strong offensive line isn’t just about protecting the quarterback; it’s about maximizing the potential of their star running back.

Jonathan Taylor Lands at 14th in PFF Running Back Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is a promising sign for the future, but Taylor and the Colts know there’s room to climb even higher. The Indianapolis Colts have already hinted at expanding Taylor’s role next season, with plans to involve him more in the passing game—including more slot receiver reps and designed screen plays that leverage his speed. Taylor, for his part, has set a goal to crack the top 10 in PFF’s rankings, focusing on improving his pass-blocking consistency and reducing his drop rate (he had 3 drops this season, a number he wants to cut in half). For the Indianapolis Colts, Taylor’s ranking is more than just a number—it’s a building block for their offense. As they look to compete for the AFC South title and a playoff spot, having a top-15 running back gives them a competitive edge, especially in a league where elite rushing attacks are becoming increasingly rare. In the end, Jonathan Taylor Lands at 14th in PFF Running Back Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is a celebration of Taylor’s hard work, a validation of the Colts’ offensive strategy, and a preview of what’s to come—for both Taylor and the team.