T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted T.J. Yeldon in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft with the hopes that he could develop into their featured back. Fast-forward two years and Yeldon is now at best third on the depth chart behind Leonard Fournette and Chris Ivory.
Things haven’t exactly worked out the way the Jaguars were hoping when they spent a second round draft pick on the former Alabama RB, which means they could be parting ways at some point this off-season. This could actually be good news for the Dallas Cowboys because I personally believe he would make a really good complement to Ezekiel Elliott.
If my memory serves me correctly, the Dallas Cowboys were pretty high on Yeldon coming out of Alabama. I think he was a serious consideration for them in the 2015 draft in the second round, but the Jaguars beat them to the punch.
At 6’1″, 223, Yeldon has the size teams look for in an every down back, but is probably better suited for a complement role in the NFL. He is elusive for an RB his size and has exceptional foot quickness to weave and dart through traffic in the running game. He is a one cut runner with exceptional vision, which fits perfectly into the Cowboys zone blocking scheme.
Yeldon’s best trait though is as a receiving threat out of the backfield. He has soft natural hands and could come in and take over the role left by the departed Lance Dunbar. This was the area of his game that the Jaguars utilized the most. He had 50 receptions for them in 2016 and 36 as a rookie.
I really think T.J. Yeldon would be the perfect complement for Ezekiel Elliott and could possibly be an upgrade over Darren McFadden. But, the Jacksonville Jaguars are unlikely to release him without trying to find a trade partner first. This could take the Cowboys out of contention, but I would be willing to part with a late round draft pick in 2018 to acquire his services.
They shouldn’t of let Darius Jackson go in the first place I thought he was drafted to go behind Zeke. He played well in preseason but for some strange reason he got released to make a spot for Darren McFadden but they knew they weren’t keeping Dunbar and Morris was on the bubble I hope they get Jackson back
I thought it was really strange that they released Darius Jackson when they did, especially after keeping him on the active roster nearly the entire season. I guess if he is released by the Browns, we will find out what the Cowboys actually think of him.
The RB situation is quietly one of the most interesting camp situations we have. I initially thought and believe many expected us to be in the market for that Dunbar-type 3rd down back but as I listened to hints from the FO I believe he is already on the roster in the name of Zeke Elliot. It seems they are poised to use him in more passing situations and why not. He is a far better 3rd down back than about any in the league and also happens to be about the best all-around back in the league. That being said the writing is on the wall for Morris and I don’t know that Thomas is going to have enough to do anything more than make the practice squad. So that leaves us with Zeke and McFadden and one or two Smiths. It remains to be seen how either of them may be used. The crop you listed here are intriguing and I think we would all be interested in getting Darius Jackson back. I am also interested in Alex Collins. However it shakes out I think there will be a new guy there before the season starts and I’m sure they will be watching waiver wires closely marching toward 53-man cutdowns.
Randy, everything you said is exactly my train of thought as well. I’m actually not all that comfortable with McFadden being the RB2 either. He is at that age where an RB starts to decline and his injury history is a concern. I wouldn’t be surprised if they add another couple running backs at some point this off-season.
I honestly don’t think they need to be in search of a running back unless someone like Yeldon is waived.
With Elliott and DMC, there aren’t a lot of snaps to be had.
As much as people don’t want to admit it, McFadden is the perfect back up for the team. He can take early down snaps if necessary and he can play on passing downs as well because his pass blocking is almost as good as Elliott’s.
I’d rather role with Jahad Thomas over Alfred Morris if we are trying to find the “scat back” type. But with Elliott and McFadden’s receiving ability in addition to the addition of Ryan Switzer, I don’t think the scat back is necessary. Don’t force it just because teams have had success with those players. They are VERY difficult to find.
John, I agree that they are probably set with Elliott and McFadden, but I think they will be watching the waiver wire. McFadden’s age and health have to be a little bit of a concern. A younger RB to push him and contribute on special teams would probably be what they’re looking for.
No doubt, the age is a concern. For youth, I’d actually be more interested in Rod Smith as an early down backup for Elliott. Very athletic and powerful guy could be effective. He also plays special teams.
I like the idea of Rod Smith, but just haven’t seen enough of him as a RB.