T.J. Yeldon NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Jaguars' Round 2 Pick

STRENGTHS

A big, upright runner who glides and slashes for yards, T.J. Yeldon fits the mold of the Alabama running back. Yeldon shows good awareness and instincts and is a natural at finding rushing lanes between the tackles. He is able to create plus yardage on the go and makes quick decisions with the ball in his hands. He’s quicker than fast and light on his feet, but he finishes runs with power and has the bulk to run over defenders.

Yeldon has good balance and body control and can make one cut and get upfield with burst. He reads blocks very well and anticipates openings. He is coming out of a pro-style offense with a pro-style blocking scheme, so he’s seen the same looks in college that he’ll see in the NFL. He has soft hands and can stay on the field as a receiver.

WEAKNESSES

Ball security is a tough spot for Yeldon, who fumbled 10 times in his career. He doesn’t have great top-end speed and won’t pull away from defenders at the second level. His size fools you into thinking he’ll be a bruising back, but that’s not what the film shows. He succumbs to tacklers too easily and has to be more of a leg-driver through contact. Yeldon should be a solid pass protector, but he’s not. The willingness is there, but he doesn’t play with a solid base or hand use.

PRO COMPARISON: Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers

A big runner with soft hands and better-than-average burst, Yeldon looks like Carlos Hyde with a little less power.

2014 STATISTICS

Rushing Attempts: 194
Rushing Yards: 979
Touchdowns: 11

FINAL GRADE: 6.20/9.00 (Rookie Impact)