Jacksonville Jaguars: T.J. Yeldon needs to have a terrific summer

T.J. Yeldon might be in a make or break year for the Jacksonville Jaguars entering the 2018 season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected T.J. Yeldon in the second round in the 2015 NFL Draft. In his career, Yeldon has started 25 games. Since the 2015 season, he has missed 11 games. Yeldon was clearly the best running back on the Jaguars roster in 2015. He rushed for 740 yards with two touchdowns. He caught 36 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown. Those were not explosive statistics.

Chris Ivory was added the following season. Ivory was not especially spectacular enough to replace Yeldon as the starter. Sadly, they fumbled the ball more than they scored touchdowns.

Last season was Yeldon’s worst as a pro. He played in only 10 regular season games. Yeldon rushed for 253 yards with two touchdowns. He did find his niche as the third down back due to his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

In the playoff games, he played against Pittsburgh and New England. He carried the ball 10 times for 45 yards and a touchdown. Yeldon caught five passes for 63 yards.

Leonard Fournette is the starting running back and there is no disputing that. Ivory was released in February. So, what role does Yeldon play on this team now?

Corey Grant is causing people to take notice of his talents. Mike Kaye of firstcoastnews.com reported the following comments by offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett:

"“I thought Corey … did a great job there at the end – and he’s just a guy we’ve got to get out there. …  I’d love to put him out there because he’s a major change-of-pace back.”"

Yeldon needs to have a terrific summer to re-establish himself. After three less than average seasons, he needs to take his game to the next level. Seems like as high as he was drafted, he would have better statistical numbers.

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The Jaguars had the best rushing offense last season, in the NFL. Jacksonville will put the best players on the field. Will Yeldon find himself on the field, sideline, or post training camp casualty cut? It’s up to him to prove that he belongs on the field.