Jonathan Taylor on Prestigious List Despite Disappointing 2022

Prior to the 2022 season, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was at the head of most "top-player" lists including the Pro Football Focus (PFF) Top 25 Players Under 25. Taylor checked in at No. 3 on the list last year.

After a disappointing campaign in which Taylor battled injuries, it wouldn't have been surprising to see him drop off the same list in 2023. PFF is still a believer in Taylor and ranked him No. 12 on their 2023 Top Players Under 25 list.

Taylor took a step back last season with a 71.5 rushing grade, a far cry from his 90.0 rushing grade in 2021. But much of his lack of production stemmed from things outside of his control. The Colts’ offensive line was poor last year, as was their offense overall. Taylor missed out on the 1,000-yard mark for the first time since his freshman season of high school, but even with the poor offensive line, he still rushed for 861 yards in 11 games — a pace that would have still hit 1,000 yards in a full season. When fully healthy, Taylor is still one of the best young players in the game. -- Trevor Sikkema, PFF

It's also seems a little surprising that Taylor is still eligible for this list, Taylor feels like a pillar of the Colts team, but he just turned 24-years old in January.

Taylor will make just north of $5 million this year according to Spotrac. He is in the final year of his rookie deal and will be playing for a second contract.

Running backs and second contracts can be risky business for clubs, but Taylor will still be just 25-years old in the first year of his next deal. The Colts have historically done an excellent job of taking care of their own pending free agents.

The Colts shouldn't have to break the bank to bring back Taylor. Running back is a relatively cheap position in the NFL with rookie Bijan Robinson already ranking No. 5 in guaranteed money at four-years and $22 million.

Taylor will be looking to have a bounce-back year with the Colts this season, and the Colts would be happy to tie him down to a multi-year extension.