Rookie Running Back Class of 2014 Showing Quality & Quantity

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA;Baltimore Ravens running back

(34) runs with the ball past Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back

(39) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Lorenzo Taliaferro  –  Baltimore Ravens

6’0, 229lbs  –  Coastal Carolina University

4th Round, 138th Overall

Taliaferro put up massive numbers in his Senior season at Coastal Carolina, rushing 276 times for 1,729 yards and a staggering 27 TD’s.  These numbers raised eyebrows, but given the level of competition that Taliaferro faced, they were not taken very seriously by many scouts.  The 4th Round may have been a round or two earlier than he was expected to be selected, but the Baltimore Ravens should be pleased that they grabbed him where they did.  Playing in a spread offence in college, there were questions surrounding his ability to adjust to a tradition, pro-style offence.  Taliaferro has prototypical size for an NFL back and runs with above-average power.

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Following Ray Rice‘s suspension and eventual release from the Ravens, the door was left open for Lorenzo Taliaferro to contribute in 2014, which he has done well in limited opportunities.  Justin Forsett has solidified himself as the lead back for the time being, though, while Taliaferro has fallen behind Bernard Pierce to 3rd on the depth chart.  With Forsett being a strong pass-catcher and eating most of the carries while Pierce receives the majority of the short-yardage carries, Taliaferro will need to be patient.  Once he is given the chance to build carries, however, he could string together some strong performances.  In his two highest-usage games, Taliaferro rushed for lines of 18-91-1, and 15-58-1 in Weeks 4 and 5.