Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor is the best running back in the country. The same could be said last season. Arguments could be made for J.K. Dobbins or D'Andre Swift, but Taylor is at the top. The junior has carried the ball 279 times for 1,761 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. This is after posting 2,194 yards in 2018 while averaging 7.1 yards per carry.

Taylor is a pro. There is hesitation nowadays when drafting a running back in the first round, but Taylor might make a team change that narrative. If he is available near the bottom of the draft, which he most likely will be, the San Francisco 49ers should take a chance.

The 49ers one of the top rushing teams in the league. They are averaging 148 yards per game on the ground. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has committed to running the football and is not afraid to spread the wealth. Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida both have over 100 carries this season. Raheem Mostert has had the hot hand as of late earning him some playing time. If there is a chance for the Niners to land the best back in the nation, why not go for it?

Taylor is a First-Round Talent

Jonathan Taylor is a special blend of speed, power, and elusiveness. At 5'11” and 219 pounds, Taylor can run past a defender or use a vicious stiff-arm to create his own running room. He has been held under 100 yards rushing just three times this season. What he has done on the field is undeniable and against good teams. Taylor finished with 250 yards against Iowa and 203 yards against Michigan.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Brock Purdy, 49ers, 49ers quarterback, Super Bowl, Purdy 49ers

Jackson Stone ·

San Francisco 49ers stars Brock Purdy and Brandon Aiyuk looking at a large sack of money

Sonny Giuliano ·

49ers' Brandon Aiyuk with coach Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch

Jack Winter ·

Shanahan should have his eye on Taylor already. The 49ers do not have an every-down back that can carry the load. Taylor has done so at Wisconsin and is showing the potential to do so at the next level. Coleman and Breida have proved unreliable at times. Mostert has been solid but he is not a three-down back. Taylor can come to San Francisco and have a similar impact that Josh Jacobs is having in Oakland.

The 49ers are one of the top teams in the league. Their defense has been flying around the field all season. Shanahan is an offensive coach who has found a scheme that works perfectly for the team that he has. Entering the draft, John Lynch has to be happy with the roster and coaching staff that he has put together. When they are on the clock in the 2020 NFL Draft, they should be looking to take the best player available. If he is on the board, Jonathan Taylor is that player.