With The First Pick
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2020 NFL Draft: Week 1 senior prospect preview

By Dan Matney

EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 01: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks warms up before the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Autzen Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 01: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks warms up before the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Autzen Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 01: Patrick Taylor Jr. #6 of the Memphis Tigers stretches for a first down in the redzone during the second quarter of the American Athletic Championship against the UCF Knights at Spectrum Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 01: Patrick Taylor Jr. #6 of the Memphis Tigers stretches for a first down in the redzone during the second quarter of the American Athletic Championship against the UCF Knights at Spectrum Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Patrick Taylor Jr., Running Back, Memphis

Taylor might not be a household name yet in the college football world, but that’s going to change very quickly. He’s one of the most intriguing running backs in this class and has the upside to be an early-round pick.

Despite backing up former Tiger running back Darrell Henderson, the 6-foot-3, 227-pound back eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in 2018 and will continue to shine as he steps into his first season as the primary back.

Aside from his hulking size, Taylor is a very explosive athlete that has a rare combination of size and speed. He has exceptional burst running between the tackles and can make guys miss in space with his agility.

He has tremendous athletic balance and can quickly recover and regain his speed through initial contact.

While you’d like to see a player with his size be a little more physical as a runner, but he flashed the ability to run his feet through contact and he isn’t afraid to run behind his pads. Taylor does a nice job maintaining a low center of gravity when he’s working through the interior and has the juice to break plays open with a window of daylight.

He is still developing as a blocker and is due for an increased role in the passing game as a senior, but Taylor possesses the athletic traits to create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs in coverage. His development as a receiver is definitely something to monitor in this game.

The opening matchup against Ole Miss provides Taylor the chance to burst onto the scene against an SEC opponent. He’s going to get quality reps working through the interior, where the Rebels will certainly be tough to move in the trenches. He’s an explosive athlete that can change the game with a single run and he’s going to get plenty of chances to show that he can create when things fall apart in this game.

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