University of Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon is set to join the Jacksonville Jaguars after being taken with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Yeldon ran for 900 or more yards each of his three years in Tuscaloosa.
2015 NFL Draft: Jaguars pick T.J. Yeldon
Jacksonville upgrades its backfield.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The latest power back to come out of the Alabama football machine, Yeldon was a featured ball carrier during his entire college career. As a freshman, he shared backfield duties with NFL star Eddie Lacy. Yeldon later took over the top role upon Lacy's departure but again found himself in a timeshare with Derrick Henry.
What separates Yeldon from many similarly built running backs is his footwork. He possesses some of the quickest feet in his draft class, a tremendous asset for a player carrying north of 220 pounds. He rarely hesitates when making a cut, which allows him to trick defenders who expect him to break down before changing direction.
But while Yeldon was very effective in college, the lack of an extra gear could hinder him in the NFL. Alabama backs like the aforementioned Lacy have also lacked breakaway speed, but they possess greater strength and aggression than Yeldon. That may not prevent Yeldon from becoming a solid player at the next level, but his performance will likely be more solid than good.
Yeldon’s combine numbers were consistent with the type of back he is on tape. His 4.61-second 40-yard dash is fine for a player his size, as are his performances in the vertical leap (36”) and the broad jump (117”). Yeldon’s 7.19 second showing in the three-cone stood out as his top drill.
Yeldon finished his college career with 3,322 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on 576 carries. He also caught 46 passes for 494 yards and two scores.
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