Jonathan Taylor
RB, Wisconsin · 2020 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #41 (IND)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #34 (#4 at his position), close to where he went (#41). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Wisconsin: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at 226 lbs: faster than 91% of RBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
RB (RB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 46.1% of the time (501 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 83 of ~101 possible regular-season games from 2020 through 2025 (~82%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 90 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 5 |
| Pro Bowls | 3 |
| First-team All-Pro | 1 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 58 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2.5 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 60.5 |
| Rushing | 1673 att, 8,090 yds, 76 TD |
| Receiving | 202 rec, 1,632 yds, 7 TD |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2020 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2020 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position RB | 46.1% n=501 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 10", 226 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.39 s |
| Bench press | 17 reps |
| Vertical | 36" |
| Broad jump | 123" |
| 3-cone | 7.01 s |
| Shuttle | 4.24 s |
| Arm / hand | 31.13" / 9.38" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #34 overall (#4 RB) |
Picked around him 2020 redraft
| 38 | Yetur Gross-Matos | redraft #83 |
| 39 | Robert Hunt | redraft #35 |
| 40 | Ross Blacklock | redraft #172 |
| 42 | Laviska Shenault Jr. | redraft #105 |
| 43 | Cole Kmet | redraft #53 |
| 44 | Grant Delpit | redraft #45 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.