The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted running back T.J. Yeldon in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft to aid a previously underwhelming rushing attack. However, the Alabama product appears to be taking his role as a newly drafted rookie in stride. Not wanting to step on the toes, Yeldon had this to say when asked about where he is on the team’s depth chart:
“I got myself as last, and I’m still trying to work my way up to the top,” Yeldon said at the Rookie Symposium. “I’m just out there to compete and work my way up to the top, see what I can do.”
Yeldon’s comments come on the heels of hearing glowing reports on how well he performed at the team’s OTA’s and minicamp. And despite the running back’s comments, it’s highly likely that he will challenge for the starting gig when training camp opens next month. We will likely compete for the starting gig with Toby Gerhart, Denard Robinson and Bernard Pierce. It is reported that Yeldon possesses the capability to be a three-down back in Greg Olson’s offense.
Sounding very modest about the upcoming season, Yeldon further commented:
“I feel like I can be a three-down back, but I’m just out there trying to do what I do. I’m still learning, so I’m not trying to say I’m a three-down back or anything right now. I’ve done it before at Alabama, but it’s a different league now, so we will see.”
The Jags would not have spent a second-round pick on Yeldon if they did not intend to have him heavily involved in the team’s offense in 2015. Yeldon provides the team a glimmer of hope on an offense that has struggled big time in recent seasons.
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