Lorenzo Taliaferro
  • Lorenzo Taliaferro

  • RB
  • ,
  • 33
  • 225 lbs
  • 6' 0"
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Scouting report

by Brandon Niles

BAL RB Lorenzo Taliaferro - 2017 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Upside

A myriad of injuries have derailed Lorenzo Taliaferro’s career, but a switch to fullback this season might give him an opportunity to carve out a role for himself on a crowded depth chart. Taliaferro is a bruising runner who is only 25 and could get some red zone looks this year. Plus, the ineffectiveness of the guys in front of him could give him some unexpected opportunities at some point this season.

Fantasy Downside

Taliaferro isn’t a lock to make the roster, even after moving to fullback, and if he doesn’t he’ll likely have limited touches. He’s missed nearly all of the past two seasons with injuries as well.

2017 Bottom Line

While anything is possible in the Baltimore run game, Taliaferro seems the least likely to have fantasy value. He should remain on waivers in all league formats, with only a little upside in touchdown-only leagues.

by Brandon Niles

BAL RB Lorenzo Taliaferro - Week 5, 2015 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 5 vs. Cleveland
Lorenzo Taliaferro had three carries for 13 yards last week against the Steelers, and he added an 11-yard reception. He remains a backup behind Justin Forsett and splits change-of-pace work with rookie Javorius Allen. Until he shows he’s going to get more opportunities in the Baltimore offense, he’s no more than a handcuff right now and should probably be on waivers in most leagues.

by Brandon Niles

BAL RB Lorenzo Taliaferro - Week 4, 2015 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 4 at Pittsburgh
Lorenzo Taliaferro had three carries and one reception last week for a total of six yards on the day. Taliaferro will continue to be worked into the offense occasionally, but he’s unlikely to make a big splash behind starter Justin Forsett, who continues to get the bulk of the carries despite a poor start to the season. Taliaferro will also be contending with rookie Javorius Allen for change-of-pace touches. The rookie had three carries for 12 yards last week, though neither player was on the field much against the Bengals.

by Brandon Niles

BAL RB Lorenzo Taliaferro - Week 3, 2015 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 3 vs. Cincinnati

Lorenzo Taliaferro made his regular season debut against the Raiders last week and played spot duty behind Justin Forsett. He was in on a little less than a third of the snaps against Oakland, finishing with seven carries, three catches and 46 yards from scrimmage. He also ran in a touchdown, undoubtedly frustrating Forsett owners.

Expect Taliaferro to continue to get into the game about a third of the time, with Javorius Allen getting a few looks as well. Forsett will remain the starter, and until that changes, Taliaferro remains only a handcuff option at best for fantasy owners.

by Brandon Niles

BAL RB Lorenzo Taliaferro - 2015 Fantasy Football Outlook

Lorenzo Taliaferro had a productive rookie year considering he was buried on the depth chart. He outplayed veteran Bernard Pierce, who was jettisoned in the off-season, and he managed to put up over 400 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns in a reserve role.

Fantasy Upside
Taliaferro has reportedly lost some weight and has the motivation to become an every down player, and not just a power back, which is the label he’s carried with him since college. He flashed ability to be a starter last year, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and filling in admirably on the fly when called upon. Starter Justin Forsett will be 30 in October and could always wear down.

Fantasy Downside
Unfortunately, it’s going to be hard for Taliaferro to supplant Forsett as the starter, and with rookie Javorius “Buck” Allen coming in from USC, he may even have a battle for the backup role. While Taliaferro remains a talented player, the depth chart as it is doesn’t favor him, and with only eight receptions a year ago, it’s unlikely he’ll carve out a role on passing downs that will allow him to be a solid producer while Forsett is healthy.

Bottom Line
Taliaferro has an uphill battle to become fantasy relevant in any way other than as Forsett’s handcuff. Even that is a little risky with the presence of the rookie Allen, and fantasy owners should consider Taliaferro a late round stash at best at this point. Keep an eye on the camp battle to make sure that he beats out Allen for the backup role, and if something should happen to Forsett, then of course his value increases.

Update:
Taliaferro is banged up and may miss the first week of the season. Fantasy owners should watch carefully, because if rookie Javorius Allen shows up big, the backup job may not be available to Taliaferro anymore.

by Brandon Niles

BAL RB Lorenzo Taliaferro - Week 15, 2014 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 15 – Lorenzo Taliaferro vs. Jacksonville
Lorenzo Taliaferro surprisingly got seven carries last week for 35 yards, and he caught a twenty yard reception as well. He seems determined to keep Bernard Pierce from being the main backup behind Justin Forsett. Vying for the backup job at best, Taliaferro has limited upside, but he remains a decent dynasty stash in leagues with large enough rosters to warrant holding him.

by Brandon Niles

BAL RB Lorenzo Taliaferro - Week 14, 2014 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 14 – Lorenzo Taliaferro vs. Miami
Lorenzo Taliaferro has seemed to settle into third on the Ravens running back depth chart, which doesn’t bode well for the rookie’s fantasy value. He even returned a kick last week. Fantasy owners should consider him no more than a dynasty league stash option, as he didn’t even touch the ball on offense last week.

Lorenzo Taliaferro news