The Arizona Cardinals got great value in the top of the fifth round of April’s draft when they selected former Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor. Taylor is talented and consistent and brings a lot to the table for Arizona. Let’s take a look at the rookie’s potential fantasy impact for 2013 and the future.
College Stats | Year | Att | Yds | Avg | TD's | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD's |
| 2009 | 56 | 303 | 5.4 | 2 | 3 | 43 | 14.3 | 0 |
| 2010 | 223 | 1,137 | 5.1 | 15 | 28 | 266 | 9.5 | 1 |
| 2011 | 242 | 1,330 | 5.5 | 10 | 25 | 182 | 7.3 | 2 |
| 2012 | 322 | 1,530 | 4.8 | 13 | 41 | 287 | 7.0 | 2 |
| Totals: | 843 | 4,300 | 5.1 | 40 | 97 | 778 | 8.0 | 5 |
Free agent signee Rashard Mendenhall is currently listed as the Cardinals’ No. 1 running back on the depth chart, but there’s little reason to doubt that Taylor will overtake him before the season starts. Mendenhall has seen a steady decline in his production in recent years, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry over the last three seasons to go along with six fumbles (four lost). Taylor is extremely consistent, rushing for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons while averaging 5.1 YPC over that span in a pro-style offense at Stanford. He’s extremely pro ready, and gives the Cardinals a much better, studier option that can also make an impact in the passing game.
Taylor will finish the season in the top five for rookie running backs, which will make him a solid RB3 option and possibly even a fringe RB2 or FLEX option in PPR leagues. He’s only going to get better as he matures and grows, along with Arizona’s young offensive line, which makes him pretty valuable in dynasty leagues. If you can grab him and not have to count on him as anything more than an RB3 this year, you’ll be sitting pretty for the future.
2013 Stat Projections: 215 carries, 1,100 rushing yards, 25 receptions, 185 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns.