2020 NFL Draft Prop Bets: Jonathan Taylor’s Draft Position
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For a long period of time, D’Andre Swift was expected to be the top running back taken in the 2020 NFL Draft with Jonathan Taylor second in line. While the odds still show that as the likely scenario, Taylor seems to have vaulted up the charts after a solid showing at the 2020 NFL Combine. When evaluated by the experts, Taylor turned in a 4.39 40-yard-dash time, which is quite impressive for a muscular, 226-pound running back – not a 180-pound string bean who relies on pure speed and elusiveness. The fact that he broke the 4.4-second mark clearly improved his draft stock to a considerable degree. Now let’s see if that can get him in the top 35.
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2020 NFL Draft Odds: Jonathan Taylor Draft Position
Over 36.5: -133 at BetMGM
Under 36.5: +110 at BetMGM
Scenario No. 1: Taylor Gets Picked In The Top 36
A few teams would have reason and opportunity to take Taylor in the top 36. The Miami Dolphins are at No. 26 after having other picks at No. 5 and No. 18. If they pick two players they really like at No. 5 and 18 – meaning that the draft went on schedule and that other teams did not steal their targeted players – they could feel that they have the luxury of going for a running back at 26. Most draft gurus think running backs aren’t worth taking in Round 1 since higher-impact players with longer careers are more generally found in the first round. Running backs can be gained for cheaper prices later in the draft. Just take a look back at the Buffalo Bills’ third-rounder last season, Devin Singletary, who finished the year with 775 rushing yards, 194 receiving yards and four total touchdowns on just 180 touches.
If Taylor isn’t taken at 26, the next several teams don’t have a strong need for a running back. But early in the second round, the Detroit Lions sit at 35. The Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, and Los Angeles Chargers (if they trade up a spot) could all make good cases for taking Taylor and pairing him with who they currently have.
Scenario No. 2: Taylor Falls To No. 37 Or Later
If Taylor does fall out of the top 36, the Chargers are right there at No. 37. They just lost University of Wisconsin product Melvin Gordon, and Taylor could give the Chargers another Badger in their backfield as a replacement. That would be a natural and logical fit to pair the bruiser next to Austin Ekeler.
If the Dolphins don’t take a running back with any of their first three picks – 5, 18, or 26 – they could snag Taylor at 39. The Houston Texans might feel adventurous and go for a youthful running back at No. 40, and the Tampa Bay could pick a running back at No. 45. The New York Jets might want some insurance for Le’Veon Bell when they pick at No. 48. Taylor could make sense for any of these teams.
It is hard to see him slipping outside the top 50, but given the over-under here, I would sooner bet that he doesn’t make the top 36. I expect Swift to go early in the second round and Taylor to follow suit somewhere in the 40s.
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Dave Golokhov is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Dave, check out his archive and follow him @davegolokhov.