Fantasy Alert: Colts Reportedly Drafted Jonathan Taylor to 'Spell' Marlon Mack

The Indianapolis Colts might have used a second-round draft pick on Jonathan Taylor, but they aren't looking to put a heavy burden on the former Wisconsin star right away. 

"The move wasn't made to supplant Mack, as one team source put it after the draft, it was to make Mack better," The Athletic's Zak Keefer reported. "The Colts feel that Taylor can spell Mack mid-game, keeping him fresher for the fourth quarter."

Keefer's report is bad news for fantasy managers who selected Taylor in the belief he would immediately become a key player in Indianapolis' offense.

Taylor ran for 6,174 yards and 42 touchdowns in three years with the Badgers, finishing sixth all-time in rushing yards among FBS players. He was one of the most prolific running backs in NCAA history, and second-round selection is generally reserved for a player who can contribute right from Week 1.

Of course, the Colts still have Mack in the backfield. 

Mack has 1,999 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 26 games over the past two seasons. He also owns the incumbent advantage, even more valuable since the COVID-19 pandemic limited how much incoming rookies could work out with their new teams.

Indianapolis could be engaging in a bit of subterfuge, giving the impression Mack will be the preferred option before the games begin and Taylor becomes the guy. Nobody should be surprised, though, to see the former get the nod in the first few weeks before a different hierarchy emerges.

Perhaps a fantasy breakout will happen for Taylor in his maiden campaign. However, the hype about him might have been a bit premature.