In 2012, T.J. Yeldon held the honor of the second-rated running back coming out of high school before ultimately choosing to play collegiate football for the perennial powerhouse of Alabama. In 2013, Yeldon rushed for a career best 1,235 yards and 14 touchdowns, helping the Crimson Tide win their third national championship in four years.
Despite having a down season during his junior year, Yeldon has decided to leave school and pursue a career in the NFL. He has the size, quickness and vision to make himself a good career at the next level.
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One team that could use the services of Yeldon would be the Miami Dolphins. Since 2007, the Dolphins have selected seven running backs in the draft, with only the 2012 selection of Lamar Miller panning out.
Miller, who is more of a one-cut running back, is coming off a surprise season in which he finished top ten in the NFL in rushing. Running for a career best 1,099 yards last season, Miller has solidified himself as the presumed starting running back heading into 2015.
However, even though Miller is the featured back in Miami, the position does require attention. It is important that Miami finds a bigger back to fill in for Miller, which is something they are currently lacking.
Daniel Thomas, who was drafted in the second round of the 2011 draft, was thought of as the future at the position. Unfortunately for Miami, he has not panned out. Before playing for the Dolphins in Week 3 of the 2014 season, Thomas was a training camp cut, mainly returning to the team because of the season-ending injury suffered to Knowshon Moreno.
On the other hand, undrafted Damien Williams has shown flashes of potential. However, he has yet to prove worthy of the number-two spot without some sort of competition.
Now whether or not the Dolphins want to roll the dice on another young running back remains to be seen. However, taking one could greatly benefit the offense, especially if it only for the price of a mid-round pick.
Many scouts and analyst believe Yeldon could be selected anywhere from the second to fourth round. If Yeldon is available for Miami to select in the third round, then by all means it must be considered.
With the holes in the secondary, offensive line and linebacker position, drafting a running back isn’t a top priority. But if Miami can find a viable back up with high potential such as Yeldon in the third round would, it would be a great pick up.
Although Yeldon isn’t exactly a bruiser running back, at 6’2″, 220 pounds, he is no easy task to bring down. His size, along with his patience and vision can go a long way in wearing down a defense.
Not only will Yeldon help balance out the run game, but he is also a weapon in the passing attack. During his three seasons at Alabama, Yeldon caught a total of 46 balls for 494 yards and two touchdowns.
In Bill Lazor’s offensive system, it is important that the running back can contribute in both aspects of the game. This is something Yeldon has proved he could do.
One part of the game that Yeldon must improve, though, is his pass blocking. He possesses below-average pass blocking skills. At times, Yeldon can get lazy, and at other times, he shows poor technique. While that must improve moving forward, it is something the coaches can look to fix.
Bringing in another running back for Miami will be essential heading into next season. Not only will it help alleviate pressure from Lamar Miller – who can’t do it all himself – but it will also give quarterback Ryan Tannehill the security of knowing he has multiple backs that are capable of carrying the load.
On paper, drafting a running back like T.J. Yeldon seems like a perfect fit for Miami. He has good size, agility and patience and would be a great complement to spell Miller off of the bench.
Besides, if Miller does not return to the team in 2016 (entering contract year), or regresses in his fourth season, the Dolphins would have a potential replacement.
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