ARIZONA CARDINALS

NFL Draft: Breaking down RB Stepfan Taylor

Apr 27, 2013, 7:35 PM | Updated: Apr 29, 2013, 4:46 pm

Follow @AZSportsPresented By...

I have long been against an addition of a running back in the NFL Draft for the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.

The Cardinals already have Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Williams, William Powell, Alfonso Smith on the roster, so adding a rookie to that rotation made little sense, especially with the needs remaining coming into the fifth round of the draft.

But, when you looked at the running backs that were still on the board in round five, it became more of a reality that Steve Keim and Co. might pick one — not because of need, but because of the value they possess.

Stepfan Taylor was the pick, and what an excellent pick it was.

What does Taylor bring to the Cardinals?

Taylor is maybe the most complete back in this draft. He was on the field in every situation in his career at Stanford, and it shows up on film.

He’s a tough, inside, patient runner that comes from a power-based scheme, and should be comfortable in the Arians running scheme, even if it looks like the Cardinals are moving towards a more zone-based scheme.

Taylor isn’t necessarily a great athlete, but he shows enough of a burst to get to the hole and through it. He has excellent vision, knows how to bounce a run when needed even if he lacks a consistent burst to get outside on planned outside runs. And, even without that game-changing speed, he has enough giddy up to break a long run and take it to the house.

While Taylor is a deft receiver out of the backfield (he definitely has better hands than most of the other backs in the class), he also is good in pass protection. He consistently cuts down oncoming defenders, and is effective in blitz pick up.

In back-to-back plays we see Taylor step up into pass protection and pick up good blocks.

The Cardinal of Stanford had such faith in Taylor as a pass blocker — an absolute must in Arians downfield attacking offense — that they would even leave defenders unblocked on purpose in the belief that Taylor could pick up the block.

What the Arizona Cardinals are getting with Stepfan Taylor is a workhorse type running back that can carry the load, be a three down running back because of his effectiveness in the passing game, and possesses the ability to be a grind it out, wear down a defense type back.

He runs through arm tackles, keeps his legs churning and is able to pick up cheap yards. He shows a good subtleness to his moves in the open field, and knows how to make a man miss.

If you’re looking for a home run threat, well don’t get your hopes up, but if you’re looking for a smart, patient, and strong between-the-tackle runner, someone who can be a feature back and carry the ball 20 times a game for 85 yards and a touchdown, well you’ll enjoy watching Taylor work.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

20 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

23 hours ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

NFL Draft: Breaking down RB Stepfan Taylor