INDIANAPOLIS – Well before the return of Marlon Mack became a finality, Chris Ballard had envisioned what could be in the backfield.
On paper, it’s one of the most diverse and deepest running back rooms in the NFL.
And that could be massive for helping Carson Wentz settle in quicker with his new team.
When the 2020 season came to a close, one that Mack didn’t make it through even a half of football before tearing his Achilles, Ballard was thinking about what a healthy No. 25 could mean to that running back room.
“I could just see a backfield of Marlon, Jonathan (Taylor) and Nyheim (Hines) and (Jordan) Wilkins be really special,” the GM pondered out loud.
Well, Ballard got his wish.
In re-signing Mack on a one-year contract, the Colts have a backfield that ranks right up there with any in the NFL when you take into account all of its pieces.
That’s critical for helping Wentz, and particularly important if the offensive line takes any step back in the run-blocking department, as they try to figure out what to do in life after Anthony Castonzo at left tackle.
One more reason why the Colts should feel good about their running back room in 2021 comes from the fact that 3 of those 4 guys will be in contract years this fall.
The individuals in that room are already extremely self-motivated, but the reality of their contract situations should only add to that.
Let’s take a closer look at what the running back room looks like:
- Jonathan Taylor (Age: 22): Outside of Derrick Henry, no running back was better at the end of last season than Taylor. Even with the return of Mack, Taylor is the unquestioned lead back of this group. Anything short of 18-20 carries for Taylor to start this coming season would be a mistake. Taylor should have Pro Bowl potential in 2021, and continue that throughout his rookie contract.
- Marlon Mack (Age: 25): Obviously, the most important aspect to Mack’s 5th season in the NFL will be his health, as he rehabs a torn Achilles that occurred last September. If healthy, Mack should be a nice rest option when Taylor needs a breather for a series or two. A healed Mack is one of the best insurance policies in the NFL at this position. He’s a 1,000-yard rusher, who is just 25 years old, and is going to want to prove himself to others around the league in trying to cash in on a longer-term deal.
- Nyheim Hines (Age: 24): It is still remarkable to me that Nyheim Hines has yet to miss a game or practice in his NFL career. Since entering the NFL in 2018, Hines is one of just four running backs in the league to have played in all 48 games during that span (a reason why he deserves a contract extension at some point). What really pushes this Colts’ group to the top of the league is the presence of Hines. He’s a great weapon out of the backfield, can line up outside and offers some game-changing speed with his quickness. Do not think that just because the Colts have Taylor and Mack that Hines will get scaled out of offensive game plans. He brings a unique, multi-dimensional skillset to the running back position, and Frank Reich covets that.
- Jordan Wilkins (Age: 26): With Mack out for nearly all of last season, Wilkins actually had a career-high 84 carries for the season. If the first three names are healthy though, it’s hard to see Wilkins having any sort of consistent game day role. But just one injury, especially to Taylor or Mack, and Wilkins would then be needed in that top reserve role. For a 4th running back, a guy who has averaged 4.9 yards per carry (195 career carries) is a pretty good option.
