Key takeaways from Day 2 of NFL combine

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine continued Friday night with running backs, offensive linemen, and specialists taking the field for drills.

With plenty of high-upside prospects at key offensive positions, here are four takeaways from the evening's action.

Taylor solidifies RB1 status

In a deep class of running backs that features different playing styles and athletic profiles, Jonathan Taylor made a statement at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The former Wisconsin star ran a ridiculous 4.39-second 40-yard dash at 226 pounds, putting to bed any concerns regarding his speed. He also put his change-of-direction skills on full display with a 7.01-second three-cone time.

The race to be the first running back off the board is a tight one - D'Andre Swift and J.K. Dobbins are Taylor's main competitors - but the two-time 2,000-yard rusher may have emerged as the clubhouse leader following his on-field performance. His production and burst make his game translatable to the pros.

The biggest knock on Taylor's game - outside of the number of carries he accumulated in college - was his ability as a receiver out of the backfield. However, he put those concerns to rest in drills, looking smooth in his routes and catching the ball effectively.

NFL teams are more reluctant to select running backs in the first round nowadays, but the ex-Badger profiles as a dynamic offensive weapon that could round out a potent offense near the end of Day 1.

Mekhi Becton is a freak ...

All eyes were on Becton and his 6-foot-7, 364-pound frame, and the towering left tackle didn't disappoint.

The Louisville product ran the 40-yard dash in an absurd 5.1 seconds, including a 1.77-second 10-yard split. His time was the fastest ever by a player weighing over 350 pounds at the combine. Here's how he compared to the draft's other top tackle prospects:

Becton was unable to complete the other key tests as he injured himself in the first positional drill. We think he did enough, though. Despite bowing out early, the talented blocker cemented himself into the top half of the first round and could go as high as No. 4 overall.

... and he's not alone

Offensive tackle-needy teams selecting outside the top 15 may have to move on to Plan B.

This year's class of perimeter blockers isn't a deep one, but it features a handful of truly elite prospects. In addition to Becton, former Iowa standout Tristan Wirfs may have separated himself from the pack with a historic performance, capped by record vertical and broad jumps. It was often difficult to tell whether he was an offensive lineman or a running back, not to mention his vertical leap topped the combine marks of star receivers DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, and Amari Cooper. He's dripping with athletic upside.

If it wasn't for Wirfs, Jedrick Wills Jr. would be singled out as the biggest combine winner. The Crimson Tide product displayed effortless movement during drills, and his athletic scores were equally impressive. Georgia's Andrew Thomas and USC's Austin Jackson flashed smooth athleticism as well.

Offensive tackles are as important as ever in today's NFL, and the top prospects are likely to fly off the board early this April. With more explosive athletic profiles than a number of this year's tight end prospects, and tape to back it up, we could see four or five linemen selected in the top half of the first round. A number of teams could pass on receivers or cornerbacks - both positions feature a deeper group of players - in favor of a top-tier tackle.

Edwards-Helaire deserves your attention

While he doesn't have blazing speed compared to this year's top-tier running back prospects, Clyde Edwards-Helaire had himself a solid night.

The all-purpose back recorded impressive marks of 123 inches and 39.5 inches on the broad and vertical jumps, respectively, showcasing his explosive lower body. Edwards-Helaire's 40-yard dash time of 4.6 seconds didn't stand out, but long-distance speed isn't his game. He's elusive in the open field, thrives in closed quarters, and possesses incredible contact balance.

Edwards-Helaire illustrated most of these traits in drills. His lightning-quick feet and smooth route running were evident and are two traits that separate him from his peers. On tape, the former LSU Tiger operates at a different speed than his opponents, as he shifts into a higher gear with the ball in his hands. This burst was evident Friday.

The first-team All-SEC selection likely won't be the first running back off the board come April, but he may be the most complete rusher in the 2020 class. After impressing during interviews and on the field at the combine, his stock is certainly on the rise.