Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is one of the best at the position in the NFL and arguably the best player on the team. Even despite running back value, Taylor is important to the Colts.

There is no doubt that head coach Shane Steichen will be relying on Taylor during his first season running the show in Indy. Fortunately for both sides, Steichen runs an offense that has proven to be effective on the ground.

Taylor's longterm future with the Colts is in question. He is eligible for a contract extension ahead of the upcoming season. But the market is not favorable to pay a running back big money.

Therefore, Pro Football Focus does not include Taylor in its three players for the Colts to build around. Instead, PFF focused more on premium positions as Indianapolis kicks off and invests in the Steichen era.

"The Colts are such an interesting team because, despite landing the No. 4 overall pick following a disastrous 2022 campaign, the roster boasts blue-chip or very good players at many key spots," PFF analyst Brad Spielberger wrote. "They just need to get healthy and simply play better."

PFF goes with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, offensive lineman Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Three reasonable players that will have big says in just how good the Colts are moving forward.

But it's crazy to not see Taylor – who is considered one of the elite young players in the league by PFF – included. After all, Taylor led the NFL in rushing in 2021 when he was fully healthy.

Taylor would have a right to feel disrespected or slighted. But it says more about where the NFL is and where the league is continuing to trend. 

Colts star has big chip on his shoulder for upcoming season

Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor has slid down in the rankings of the best running backs in the NFL.

Featured image via USA TODAY Sports