Stepfan Taylor - Sneaky Late Round RB (1 Viewer)

[bagger]

Having seen Taylor a fair amount in the Pac 12, I am really liking his opportunity in AZ. The backfield at first glance seems crowded there, but it is really not.

Mendenhall - He is the clear "starter" at this point. However, he is coming off a poor season and he is often injured. There are already reports of him sitting because of knee tendinitis which is a sign of things to come IMO. His stat line has trended steadily downwards since 2010 and I don't think that is an anomoly at this point in his career. I don't buy in to how high many of the experts think his projected stats will be and given his ADP of mid 5th round, he is absurdly over valued by the general FF public.

Williams - I am telling you now, the reports I am hearing out of camp is that Williams does not make the team and I believe it. He has not been involved hardly at all in camp so far and that can only continue so long before he is flat out cut.

Taylor - Is the 3rd back on the depth charts but there is not much between him and starting at this point. He is a no nonsense downhill running perfect for the zone blocking scheme that Arians is implementing in AZ this year. Taylor is not flashy. He does not juke people in the open field. But he has EXCELLENT vision at the line of scrimmage and will be the primary goalline back in game 1 with a role rapdily expanding from there.

Right now his ADP is virtually nil so you can get him at the end of drafts. Like Alfred Morris (who I recommended last year taking a flyer on late) he can be picked up in your redraft with virtually no risk.

If there is a spot on your roster for a late round RB flyer, Taylor has the best chance to be a productive producer for your fantasy team moreso than anyone else available that late in your drafts.

 

[ScottNorwood]

Like Alfred Morris (who I recommended last year taking a flyer on late) he can be picked up in your redraft with virtually no risk.

That thread won me a championship last year

 

[EBF]

I think if you get Mendy and Taylor you'll probably be locking up RB2 production. I'd still say Mendy is the favorite to win the job, but as you said he's already dealing with injury stuff. Taylor has no speed at all, but he's really quick in tight spaces and one of the most impressive backs in the draft in highlights IMO. Very loose hips with a great ability to set up defenders and make people miss. Actually reminds me of Doug Martin in his ability to keep his feet moving, run on a swivel, and constantly change directions to avoid big hits and earn extra yards. I like him as a sleeper and have selected him in the late rounds of numerous rookie drafts.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I think if you get Mendy and Taylor you'll probably be locking up RB2 production. I'd still say Mendy is the favorite to win the job, but as you said he's already dealing with injury stuff. Taylor has no speed at all, but he's really quick in tight spaces and one of the most impressive backs in the draft in highlights IMO. Very loose hips with a great ability to set up defenders and make people miss. Actually reminds me of Doug Martin in his ability to keep his feet moving, run on a swivel, and constantly change directions to avoid big hits and earn extra yards. I like him as a sleeper and have selected him in the late rounds of numerous rookie drafts.

I'm intrigued by him too, but either his value is rising or my entire league reads FBGs - he just went at 2.12 in my rookie draft last night

 

[az_prof]

I think if you get Mendy and Taylor you'll probably be locking up RB2 production. I'd still say Mendy is the favorite to win the job, but as you said he's already dealing with injury stuff. Taylor has no speed at all, but he's really quick in tight spaces and one of the most impressive backs in the draft in highlights IMO. Very loose hips with a great ability to set up defenders and make people miss. Actually reminds me of Doug Martin in his ability to keep his feet moving, run on a swivel, and constantly change directions to avoid big hits and earn extra yards. I like him as a sleeper and have selected him in the late rounds of numerous rookie drafts.

I'm intrigued by him too, but either his value is rising or my entire league reads FBGs - he just went at 2.12 in my rookie draft last night

I like him as a sleeper, but still think it a long shot. As EBF says, he looks great on tape and really knows how to make people miss. His lack of speed will keep him from ever being elite IMO, but any back on an NFL roster can be fantasy useful if he gets enough touches. I suspect that he and Ellington could split a RBBC if Mendenhall and Williams can't stay healthy--a likely possibility.

 

[EBF]

Worth mentioning that Taylor got the start in Arizona's scrimmage yesterday with Mendy and Williams out.

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

What about Ellington? Is he doing anything in camp?

 

[Biabreakable]

What about Ellington? Is he doing anything in camp?

I have not seen much mention of him and I have been reading quite a bit of Cardinals stuff lately.

I do not think Ellington will be in the conversation because the 2 things Arians wants from his RB are a player who can block as the 1st priority then a player who can run as the 2nd priority. He has stated he does not want to throw much to the RB. That is where I see Ellington perhaps being better than Taylor is as a receiver, but that is not part of the plan.

I think Ellington is there for special teams perhaps? The pick puzzled me at the time because Ellington's skill set does not seem to fit what Arians wants his RB to do.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

What about Ellington? Is he doing anything in camp?

I have not seen much mention of him and I have been reading quite a bit of Cardinals stuff lately.

I do not think Ellington will be in the conversation because the 2 things Arians wants from his RB are a player who can block as the 1st priority then a player who can run as the 2nd priority. He has stated he does not want to throw much to the RB. That is where I see Ellington perhaps being better than Taylor is as a receiver, but that is not part of the plan.

I think Ellington is there for special teams perhaps? The pick puzzled me at the time because Ellington's skill set does not seem to fit what Arians wants his RB to do.

According to the reports, Ellington is the better blocker.

 

[Biabreakable]

What about Ellington? Is he doing anything in camp?

I have not seen much mention of him and I have been reading quite a bit of Cardinals stuff lately.

I do not think Ellington will be in the conversation because the 2 things Arians wants from his RB are a player who can block as the 1st priority then a player who can run as the 2nd priority. He has stated he does not want to throw much to the RB. That is where I see Ellington perhaps being better than Taylor is as a receiver, but that is not part of the plan.

I think Ellington is there for special teams perhaps? The pick puzzled me at the time because Ellington's skill set does not seem to fit what Arians wants his RB to do.

According to the reports, Ellington is the better blocker.

What reports?

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

What about Ellington? Is he doing anything in camp?

I have not seen much mention of him and I have been reading quite a bit of Cardinals stuff lately.

I do not think Ellington will be in the conversation because the 2 things Arians wants from his RB are a player who can block as the 1st priority then a player who can run as the 2nd priority. He has stated he does not want to throw much to the RB. That is where I see Ellington perhaps being better than Taylor is as a receiver, but that is not part of the plan.

I think Ellington is there for special teams perhaps? The pick puzzled me at the time because Ellington's skill set does not seem to fit what Arians wants his RB to do.

According to the reports, Ellington is the better blocker.

What reports?

Check the original Taylor thread.

 

[Biabreakable]

What about Ellington? Is he doing anything in camp?

I have not seen much mention of him and I have been reading quite a bit of Cardinals stuff lately.

I do not think Ellington will be in the conversation because the 2 things Arians wants from his RB are a player who can block as the 1st priority then a player who can run as the 2nd priority. He has stated he does not want to throw much to the RB. That is where I see Ellington perhaps being better than Taylor is as a receiver, but that is not part of the plan.

I think Ellington is there for special teams perhaps? The pick puzzled me at the time because Ellington's skill set does not seem to fit what Arians wants his RB to do.

According to the reports, Ellington is the better blocker.

What reports?

Check the original Taylor thread.

How about if you are going to make a statement about something be more descriptive than just saying reports so that people might know what you are talking about?

I did find this from scrimmage yesterday -

hat being said, Ellington looks to be improving in pass protection as I watched him in 1 vs 1 drills against linebackers on Sunday. Ellington also has a quick change of direction but thus far he is “as advertised”. By that, I mean, if the play is designed to hit the #4 hole in the line, he will almost always hit that hole even if there is a huge offensive guard engaged in a block cramming the hole with his massive ###. He seems to lack creativity for extending a run and finding a better hole to fire though, but I think with time, he’ll learn that he’s going to have to think on a different level in the NFL.

Stepfan Taylor looked really good when running the ball on Sunday but had an occasional struggle in pass protection. However, at one point, Taylor ran the ball toward the #4 hole, and cut back to the #5 hole on the left to follow his blockers onto a 10-13 yard gain. That’s the thing right now in terms of the level of creativity between Ellington and Taylor. Taylor will try to find another route (which at times can lead to too much dancing ala Mendenhall style) whereas Ellington will run straight into the back of his blockers. Taylor should get yards in more chunks theoretically, but Ellington has home run potential if the line blocks well and he is sprung free to break away with his speed.

Also, don’t count out Smith in this equation, as early reports from camp are singing his praises. He has looked stronger, more decisive, and quicker this training camp and it makes sense as I’m sure he can feel the heat of losing a roster spot.

Personally, I think the Cardinals will only carry four backs this season but if Williams doesn’t get past the mental block of his knee he may be the odd man out.

http://azbirdgang.com/?p=76

However improving does not mean that he is the better blocker.

Weaknesses

Occasionally, Ellington displayed questionable vision last season. He would get stuffed at the line because of running straight into defenders instead of finding cut back lanes.

As a smaller back, Ellington isn't terribly difficult to bring down. He doesn't break a ton of tackles.

While Ellington would seem to have the skills to be a threat out of the backfield, he hasn't put it all together in his career at Clemson. He also isn't much of a pass blocker. Will need to improve in these areas to show added value to NFL teams.

http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2013/4/27/4275744/2013-nfl-draft-results-rb-andre-ellington-to-the-arizona-cardinals

I think it is good to hear that he is improving as a pass blocker, that is an area that was considered a weakness with him as a RB prospect.

Here is CBS report on Stephan Taylor-

STRENGHTS: Well-built with a thick, powerful lower half. Commits quickly to the hole and possesses adequate initial burst to clear it before it collapses.
Doesn't shy away from contact, and keeps his feet churning on impact. Keeps his weight forward through the hole and on contact, and is able to grind out the extra half-yard falling down. Protects the ball well through traffic, and exhibits awareness to shift the ball to his outside hand prior to engaging defenders.

Although his skill set suits a one-cut running system, he does display some shiftiness and wiggle to make defenders miss in space. Possesses surprising burst out of a redirect or stop-start.

Highly effective pass-catcher, consistently plucking the ball off his frame and looking it in before turning upfield. Gets his eyes upfield quickly after the catch and wastes little motion in transition.

Relied upon heavily at Stanford to stay home and pass protect, and did so effectively, particularly on cut-blocks and chips, where he displayed good physicality and use of low leverage.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1685988/stepfan-taylor

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

What about Ellington? Is he doing anything in camp?

I have not seen much mention of him and I have been reading quite a bit of Cardinals stuff lately.

I do not think Ellington will be in the conversation because the 2 things Arians wants from his RB are a player who can block as the 1st priority then a player who can run as the 2nd priority. He has stated he does not want to throw much to the RB. That is where I see Ellington perhaps being better than Taylor is as a receiver, but that is not part of the plan.

I think Ellington is there for special teams perhaps? The pick puzzled me at the time because Ellington's skill set does not seem to fit what Arians wants his RB to do.

According to the reports, Ellington is the better blocker.

What reports?

Check the original Taylor thread.

How about if you are going to make a statement about something be more descriptive than just saying reports so that people might know what you are talking about?I did find this from scrimmage yesterday -

hat being said, Ellington looks to be improving in pass protection as I watched him in 1 vs 1 drills against linebackers on Sunday. Ellington also has a quick change of direction but thus far he is as advertised. By that, I mean, if the play is designed to hit the #4 hole in the line, he will almost always hit that hole even if there is a huge offensive guard engaged in a block cramming the hole with his massive ###. He seems to lack creativity for extending a run and finding a better hole to fire though, but I think with time, hell learn that hes going to have to think on a different level in the NFL.



Stepfan Taylor looked really good when running the ball on Sunday but had an occasional struggle in pass protection. However, at one point, Taylor ran the ball toward the #4 hole, and cut back to the #5 hole on the left to follow his blockers onto a 10-13 yard gain. Thats the thing right now in terms of the level of creativity between Ellington and Taylor. Taylor will try to find another route (which at times can lead to too much dancing ala Mendenhall style) whereas Ellington will run straight into the back of his blockers. Taylor should get yards in more chunks theoretically, but Ellington has home run potential if the line blocks well and he is sprung free to break away with his speed.



Also, dont count out Smith in this equation, as early reports from camp are singing his praises. He has looked stronger, more decisive, and quicker this training camp and it makes sense as Im sure he can feel the heat of losing a roster spot.



Personally, I think the Cardinals will only carry four backs this season but if Williams doesnt get past the mental block of his knee he may be the odd man out.

http://azbirdgang.com/?p=76

However improving does not mean that he is the better blocker.

Weaknesses

Occasionally, Ellington displayed questionable vision last season. He would get stuffed at the line because of running straight into defenders instead of finding cut back lanes.

As a smaller back, Ellington isn't terribly difficult to bring down. He doesn't break a ton of tackles.

While Ellington would seem to have the skills to be a threat out of the backfield, he hasn't put it all together in his career at Clemson. He also isn't much of a pass blocker. Will need to improve in these areas to show added value to NFL teams.



http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2013/4/27/4275744/2013-nfl-draft-results-rb-andre-ellington-to-the-arizona-cardinals

I think it is good to hear that he is improving as a pass blocker, that is an area that was considered a weakness with him as a RB prospect.

My lazy attempt to direct folks to the main thread, and away from the one that never should have been started...

 

[Biabreakable]

What about Ellington? Is he doing anything in camp?

I have not seen much mention of him and I have been reading quite a bit of Cardinals stuff lately.

I do not think Ellington will be in the conversation because the 2 things Arians wants from his RB are a player who can block as the 1st priority then a player who can run as the 2nd priority. He has stated he does not want to throw much to the RB. That is where I see Ellington perhaps being better than Taylor is as a receiver, but that is not part of the plan.

I think Ellington is there for special teams perhaps? The pick puzzled me at the time because Ellington's skill set does not seem to fit what Arians wants his RB to do.

According to the reports, Ellington is the better blocker.

What reports?

Check the original Taylor thread.

How about if you are going to make a statement about something be more descriptive than just saying reports so that people might know what you are talking about?I did find this from scrimmage yesterday -

hat being said, Ellington looks to be improving in pass protection as I watched him in 1 vs 1 drills against linebackers on Sunday. Ellington also has a quick change of direction but thus far he is as advertised. By that, I mean, if the play is designed to hit the #4 hole in the line, he will almost always hit that hole even if there is a huge offensive guard engaged in a block cramming the hole with his massive ###. He seems to lack creativity for extending a run and finding a better hole to fire though, but I think with time, hell learn that hes going to have to think on a different level in the NFL.

Stepfan Taylor looked really good when running the ball on Sunday but had an occasional struggle in pass protection. However, at one point, Taylor ran the ball toward the #4 hole, and cut back to the #5 hole on the left to follow his blockers onto a 10-13 yard gain. Thats the thing right now in terms of the level of creativity between Ellington and Taylor. Taylor will try to find another route (which at times can lead to too much dancing ala Mendenhall style) whereas Ellington will run straight into the back of his blockers. Taylor should get yards in more chunks theoretically, but Ellington has home run potential if the line blocks well and he is sprung free to break away with his speed.



Also, dont count out Smith in this equation, as early reports from camp are singing his praises. He has looked stronger, more decisive, and quicker this training camp and it makes sense as Im sure he can feel the heat of losing a roster spot.



Personally, I think the Cardinals will only carry four backs this season but if Williams doesnt get past the mental block of his knee he may be the odd man out.

http://azbirdgang.com/?p=76

However improving does not mean that he is the better blocker.

Weaknesses

Occasionally, Ellington displayed questionable vision last season. He would get stuffed at the line because of running straight into defenders instead of finding cut back lanes.

As a smaller back, Ellington isn't terribly difficult to bring down. He doesn't break a ton of tackles.

While Ellington would seem to have the skills to be a threat out of the backfield, he hasn't put it all together in his career at Clemson. He also isn't much of a pass blocker. Will need to improve in these areas to show added value to NFL teams.



http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2013/4/27/4275744/2013-nfl-draft-results-rb-andre-ellington-to-the-arizona-cardinals

I think it is good to hear that he is improving as a pass blocker, that is an area that was considered a weakness with him as a RB prospect.

My lazy attempt to direct folks to the main thread, and away from the one that never should have been started...

I would have no problem with those threads being merged. It is an interesting conversation worth having in case Mendenhall misses any time.

 

[DawnBTVS]

So Taylor ran for 52 yards with a 15 yard TD on 11 carries (R. Williams had 25 on 9 and Ellington had 24 on 10).

For anybody who saw the game, how did Taylor look and did he play mostly against backups/scrubs?

 

[FF Ninja]

My lazy attempt to direct folks to the main thread, and away from the one that never should have been started...

Your noble attempt is appreciated. But apparently everyone in the SP really likes redundant threads. It's all the rage with the youths. Utilizing the search function is only for old codgers.

 

[Biabreakable]

So you bump this thread to say that such topics should only be contained in one place. Makes sense?

bagger is pretty

 

[Bri]

I really don't see this. Someone here (maybe it was this thread) posted about their love for him a while back and I've been keeping an eye on him. I don't think he's done much of anything this summer. I could have missed it, but I didn't much like the Arizona RBs and thought someone could steal a spot there and....I was often searching for news and this didn't seem to happen at all.

 

[Biabreakable]

Agreed Bri. I see someone compiling a bunch of carries for better or worse anyways. If Mendenhall is not that guy then Taylor seems like the next best bet. Will share time with others though. Really wouldn't want any of these guys, but if I did roster one Taylor is the guy if it isn't Mendenhall I think.

 

[bagger]

Agreed Bri. I see someone compiling a bunch of carries for better or worse anyways. If Mendenhall is not that guy then Taylor seems like the next best bet. Will share time with others though. Really wouldn't want any of these guys, but if I did roster one Taylor is the guy if it isn't Mendenhall I think.

especially that is has been confirmed that mendenhall will be pulled for all goal line situations and Taylor will be in.

 

[cstu]

Arizona Cardinals running back Stepfan Taylor juices before he goes to bed.

"I usually drink apple juice before I go to bed because I heard it gives you vivid dreams," he said, when I asked him about the last dream he had. "I'm dead serious. It works. When I drink it I can remember my dreams."

As it turns out, the apple juice doesn't just give him vivid dreams. It also gives him juice-fueled superpowers.

"I'm going to tell you something creepy," he said seriously. "I lost my wallet in college, and I was looking for it for two weeks. It's a good thing I was broke in college and didn't need it. I said, forget it. I'm going to have a dream and find it. So I drank my apple juice, I had a dream and I found it in my dream. And then I woke up the next morning and found it.

"The next time I lost something, I did the same thing and found it. I'm four for five in drinking apple juice and finding lost things. That's kind of creepy, right?"

Actually, yeah, a little.

According to Taylor, the brand of apple juice isn't important.

"I usually just buy whatever's there," he said. "Mott's works. Welch's works. Simply Apple. Martinelli's. Whatever."

This man needs a juice sponsor, stat.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

 

[Bri]

Wacky, if it works or if he believes it works...