2009 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Comment: Continues to be a consistent performer as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Has above-average size with deceptive power and excellent athleticism. He has enough speed and burst to threaten the perimeter, and is effective between the tackles. He has good hands as a receiver and is a tough match-up for opposing linebacker in coverage. He has excellent run-after-catch ability and can make defenders miss in space. He's a decent blocker in pass protections but his lack of height hind

This is the scouting report for unrestricted free-agent Chester Taylor, a player I think would be a good fit in the Mike Martz system in Chicago. Thumbing through my Chicago Tribune this morning I finally found what I was looking for, a decent description of what role the running back plays in Martz's offense. According to Dan Pompei,

"The prototype for Martz is Marshall Faulk-a player who can get yards in chunks and be a dependable receiver.

Matt Forte will thrive as a receiver in this offense, but a more dynamic runner or a more physical runner would be a better fit. Forte's carries will go down, and if he continues to average 3.6 yards per carry, they'll go down some more.

Martz likes a north-south runner who can pound defenses. Forte should be able to contribute by closing out games in the second half, assuming things are working in the first half."

Let's face it, even though Forte was hurt most, if not all, of last season, he is no Marshall Faulk. And though he has proven to be a dependable receiver and has improved in his pass blocking, averaging 3.6 yards per carry won't get the job done. Beyond that, it seemed Forte was too often going down on first contact.

Chester Taylor is no Marshall Faulk either, but he has proven the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, he is excellent in pass protection (which might be something the Bears will need with Cutler taking numerous seven step drops), and he has shown that he can produce in the running game when given the opportunity. In his only season with over 300 carries (2006), his first in Minnesota, Taylor ran for over 1,200 yards and averaged four yards per carry. And though he he is entering his ninth year in the league, only in that 2006 season was he used as the primary back, leaving him very fresh at the even at the age of 30.

Taylor received his fewest amount of carries in six seasons in 2009 with only 94, and would like to become the feature back somewhere, but at 31, it's not likely. He was a do-it-all

And be honest, haven't you ever caught yourself watching a Viking game and confusing Taylor with Adrian Peterson?