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Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.
Led all NFL media in draft rumor accuracy in '15, '16, '17, '18, and '20
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2021 NFL MOCK DRAFT - WALT'S | CHARLIE'S ROUND: 1


T.J. Yeldon Grading Late First, Early Second

Updated Nov. 28, 2014
By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.



Two years ago, Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon and Georgia running back Todd Gurley were freshman superstars who were expected to be the next great running backs in college football. That has been the case for Gurley, despite injuries and a suspension. Yeldon has been a solid contributor for the Crimson Tide, but he hasn't been the dominant runner like Eddie Lacy or Trent Richardson were in their final seasons for Alabama. Still, NFL scouts told us that Yeldon is grading out as a late first-round or early second-round pick.

Statistically, Yeldon isn't having the kind of season that many expected. Yeldon has averaged 5.0 yards per carry for 758 yards with six touchdowns. Yeldon hasn't been as impressive as teammate Derrick Henry, but both have been reliable backs for Alabama, and the Crimson Tide coaches have trusted Yeldon to be their third-down back in pass protection.

Sources say that Yeldon is a smooth runner with quickness, elusiveness and cutting ability. They feel that he runs a little upright, as a result of his height, and needs to improve his ball security. He can improve on those issues at the next level.

NFL teams are hearing that Yeldon is going to declare for the draft, so they are scouting him as if he'll be in the 2015 class. Gurley and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon are expected to be the first two running backs selected. Yeldon could be in a crowded group of backs that could go in the late first or second-round. That group includes Indiana's Tevin Coleman and Miami's Duke Johnson.

Because of Alabama's rotation at running back and working the ball to wide receiver Amari Cooper, Yeldon should be fresh entering the Combine, and a fast 40 time could help him to be a Thursday night pick.

Comment on this story here.




Previous Three Articles:

Marcus Peters Unlikely to Be First-Rounder
11/7/14:
Teams Don't View Shawn Oakman as a First-Rounder
11/14/14:
Sources Say Dorial Green-Beckham Likely to Declare
11/22/14:

Next Three Articles:

Landon Collins Viewed as Strong Safety
11/30/14:
Sterling Shepard, Eric Striker Plan on Declaring
12/5/14:
Leonard Williams to Enter Draft, Signals Oakland
12/7/14:


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