Survivor I - Fred Taylor Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	RSH	RSHYD	RSHTD	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2002	287	1314	8	49	408	0	220.2	11
2003	345	1572	6	48	370	1	236.2	8
2004	260	1224	2	36	345	1	174.9	20

Positives - When healthy (yikes, I led off 2 of my running back analysis like this), Taylor is one of the most explosive backs in football. Had shed his ‘Fragile Fred’ tag over the past couple years. While quarterback Byron Leftwich continues to grow into the position, the Jaguars remain a run first team with one of the best offensive lines in football. Leftwich should continue to improve and allow for the offense to open up more.

Negatives - Taylor had off-season knee surgery from which he has yet to fully recover. At this time it is unknown how much Taylor will practice in camp let alone whether or not he will be ready for the season opener. Even when he does return there will be questions as to how effective he’ll be on the knee. When he does return there is a good possibility Taylor will not be the goalline back as the Jags have FB Greg Jones who could fill that role. As it is the Jags only had 6 rushing touchdowns last year. Taylor also is not used to a great extent in the passing game.

Draft Strategy - If I truly wanted the Priest/LJ combo I’d have to pick Larry Johnson here - too early in my opinion for what would essentially be my RB4. Also strongly considered Marc Bulger here but I was still regretting passing on Rudi Johnson in round 3 and wanted to get a 3rd starting running back. Taylor was the last RB available who, provided he’s healthy, would be the unquestioned starter on his team. Others available such as Thomas Jones, Duce Staley & Chris Brown will all be involved in some form of RBBC. As the 27th RB off the board Taylor still gives me top 15 potential.