Can Jonathan Taylor earn his first Pro Bowl nod in 2021?

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor took over the second half of the season en route to dominating the competition and helping lead the team to the playoffs.

Taylor showed just what kind of promise he has when he finished the season with the most rushing yards (1,169) and tied for the most rushing touchdowns (11) among rookies.

This is why Marc Sessler of NFL.com listed him as a potential first-time Pro Bowler in 2021.

“If Carson Wentz thrives, he’s not only Pro Bowl fodder, but Philip Rivers-esque Comeback Player of the Year material. I’m not sold on that feel-good narrative, but I harbor zero doubts about the rise of Taylor as the engine behind Indy’s attack. Nor do I fret over Marlon Mack stealing away the lead role from a second-year back who was a picture of dominance over his final five games of the 2020 regular season, allowing him to finish third league-wide in rushing. Taylor’s not Derrick Henry or Nick Chubb, but his on-field growth reads as legitimate.”

We know that the Pro Bowl is becoming less meaningful with each passing year. It becomes more of a popularity contest and there are head-scratching snubs every season.

Taylor may have a hard time earning a nod over the aforementioned Henry and Chubb, but it’s certainly not impossible. In fact, Taylor’s first season shows he was part of an illustrious group entering the league.

Since 2001, only four other running backs recorded over 1,000 rushing yards, at least 5.0 yards per carry and at least 10 rushing touchdowns in their rookie seasons.

Those backs? Clinton Portis (2002), Adrian Peterson (2007), Ezekiel Elliott (2016) and Saquon Barkley (2018).

The table is set for Taylor to take another step forward in 2021 and if history is repeating itself, a Pro Bowl nod won’t be too far away.