Former Wisconsin football legend Jonathan Taylor was included in ESPN’s list of the top 10 running backs ahead of the 2025 season on Monday.
In a survey of dozens of NFL league executives, coaches and scouts, the outlet ranked the upper echelon of candidates based on their vote totals, composite average position and what was shared during interviews. After the process, ESPN’s hierarchy pegged Taylor as the No. 7 running back in the NFL entering this coming season.
At No. 7, Taylor found himself between Green Bay Packers star Josh Jacobs (No. 6) and Buffalo Bills back James Cook (No. 8). Reining Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champion Saquon Barkley earned the top spot, followed by Baltimore Ravens‘ workhorse Derrick Henry (No. 2), Detroit Lions‘ speedster Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 3), Atlanta Falcons‘ rising star Bijan Robinson (No. 4), 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey (No. 5), Houston Texan Joe Mixon (No. 9) and New Orleans Saint Alvin Kamara (No. 10).
For context, ProFootballFocus’ recent list of the top 32 running backs had Taylor at No. 14, sandwiched between Las Vegas Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty (No. 13) and New York Jets rising star Breece Hall (No. 15). Ahead of his sixth NFL campaign, appears as if Taylor holds a more favorable position in NFL front offices at this stage of his career.
His most recent batch of numbers affirms that notion. The two-time Doak Walker Award winner at Wisconsin rushed for 1,431 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games during the 2024 slate, plus 18 receptions for 136 yards and a score through the air. The New Jersey native rushed for at least 100 yards in eight contests, which included a 218-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Tennessee Titans in a Week 16 win.
Top 10 series is here. League intel from 70+ execs/coaches/scouts
First off…Running backs
*Saquon dominates voting
*Gibbs edges Bijan
*McCaffrey, Hall sliphttps://t.co/w8vz2e29w3— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 7, 2025
While Taylor may be incapable of replicating his 1,811-yard output during the 2021 season, his three-down talent, coupled with deadly speed and strength in the open field, make him as dangerous as just about any player at his position in the NFL. With quarterback Anthony Richardson or veteran Daniel Jones under center, Taylor is poised to enjoy another productive season, barring any major injury setback.
The Colts open the 2025 slate with a Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football great Jonathan Taylor ranking for 2025 NFL season