RB #9 Jonathan Taylor IND

Jonathan Taylor had a quiet, but successful, 2024 season. He carried the ball over 300 times, earned 1,431 rushing yards, recorded 78 first downs, 18 receptions, 136 receiving yards, and 12 total touchdowns. He did that in just 13 starts too. Of his 707 snaps, just 44 came outside of the backfield. In standard leagues or leagues that reward for carries, and first downs Taylor gets a boost. In PPR he goes down a notch, and in 0.5 PPR he is the ninth ranked running back.

The Indianapolis Colts will start Daniel Jones to begin the 2025 season. He is an improvement over Anthony Richardson, and has the ability to pull defensive players out of the box. Jones has a rifle and the Colts have several wide receivers that have the speed for a big play. Taylor will have the advantage of “light” boxes for the first time in years. Taylor’s ADP is RB8 and 19th overall, an appropriate price. He is a perfect second round running back.

LB #9 Bobby Okereke NYG

Bobby Okereke was having an excellent year before a herniated disc ended his season. He required surgery, but was cleared in May for football activity, and participated in the New York Giants training camp. The Giants are somewhat of a mystery offensively, but have a defensive identity. Great edge pressure with solid inside linebackers, and Okereke sets the tone.

He finished with 93 tackles, 3 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 sacks. He averaged 150 tackles per season the previous two seasons. Of his 789 snaps last season, 642 came in the box. Okereke should earn over 1,000 snaps this season, and record 140+ tackles. He is capable of the big play, which is what separates him from other interior linebackers. Okereke is being drafted later due to his injury. However he is a capable IDP that could end up as LB #1 this season.

Come back tomorrow as we break down RB and LB #8. Subscribe to The Sports Affiliation for this and other articles sent directly to your email.

– Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy