ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler released the running back edition of his annual top 10 positional rankings as voted on by NFL personnel, and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor landed at No. 5 overall. The ranking places Taylor firmly among the best backs in football, a status he has maintained for the better part of six seasons. Taylor remains one of the most dangerous weapons on any given Sunday when the Colts are on the schedule.

Taylor’s consistency separates him from the pack

The truth is, Taylor has been a mainstay at the top of these lists for years. Fowler noted as much in his write-up, and the polling from league personnel reflects a player who commands respect across the board. One voter ranked Taylor as high as 2nd, while another left him off the list entirely. That unranked vote feels disrespectful given what Taylor has produced. As Fowler wrote, Taylor’s six-year run has been remarkably consistent, year over year, with only a few injuries interrupting what has been one of the premier stretches for any running back in this generation.

A source told Fowler that Taylor is “still extremely special in space,” as he is one of the few players who can score from anywhere on the field once the ball is in his hands. That ability to turn any touch into a touchdown is what separates Taylor from the rest of the pack and keeps him locked into these conversations every offseason.

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The age factor working in Taylor’s favor

Here’s where it gets fascinating for the Colts and concerning for the rest of the AFC. Despite being a six-year veteran, Taylor doesn’t turn 28 until after the regular season concludes. He will be 27 for the entirety of the upcoming campaign. That puts him squarely in the middle of his prime, which is a rarity for a running back who has already accumulated the workload Taylor has.

Most backs with Taylor’s mileage are either on the decline or fighting to stay relevant. Taylor is doing neither. He continues to produce at an elite level, and his age suggests he has at least a few more seasons of top-tier play ahead of him.

What this means for the Colts and the AFC South

Taylor’s ranking serves as a reminder that the Colts possess one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons. Containing Taylor remains a top priority for any defense. His ability to create explosive plays in space makes him a nightmare for any defensive coordinator tasked with slowing him down.

The bottom line is this: Taylor has earned his spot among the top five backs in football, and there is a strong case he remains on this list next year and beyond. A player with his talent, his consistency, and his age profile is not going away anytime soon. The Colts know what they have, and the rest of the league does too.