Jonathan Taylor, Sauce Gardner, and Quenton Nelson earn ESPN top 54 rankings

The Indianapolis Colts have three players listed among the top 54 athletes in ESPN’s 2026 NFL player rankings. Running back Jonathan Taylor leads the trio at No. 36 following a 2025 season where he accumulated 1,585 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Cornerback Sauce Gardner is ranked No. 43, while left guard Quenton Nelson holds the No. 54 spot. The rankings are based on projected performance for the upcoming season rather than previous statistical totals. Taylor moved up 33 spots from his 2025 ranking, while Nelson advanced seven places after maintaining a 95.5% pass block win rate. ESPN attributed the selections to the high level of individual performance expected from the veterans as Indianapolis prepares for the 2026 season. These players are projected to be primary contributors for the Colts as the team looks toward its playoff aspirations.

• 2:50 PMYahoo Sports — 3 Colts land inside top 54 of ESPN’s 2026 NFL player rankings