4 Rookie Running Backs to Draft in Fantasy Football This Year

T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL Draft Selection: 2nd Round, 36th Overall
ADP (Std/PPR): 52/56

After a brutal season from free agent signing Toby Gerhart, the Jaguars found their potential new workhorse back in Alabama's T.J. Yeldon.

Until Denard Robinson started late in the season, Jacksonville was abysmal rushing the football.

At the end of the year, the Jags finished 21st in our Adjusted Rushing Net Expected Points per rush metric. And believe me, it was worse than that at times last season.

The Jags desperately need a running back that they can rely on from week to week to carry the offensive load. Yeldon certainly fits that mold, as seen by his incredible success at Alabama. Some would say that success came only because he played behind the offensive line that he did. There's some truth to that notion, but lets give credit to a punishing runner that averaged 5.8 yards per carry during his three seasons with the Crimson Tide.

Yeldon is a touchdown-seeking missile, as shown by his 37 scores in three college seasons.

Yeldon does not have the metrics and measurables like Tevin Coleman, but he does have the ability to move the chains and fits into what Gus Bradley is trying to build in Jacksonville.

Yeldon's rare agility for a back of his size is why I believe he will succeed in Jacksonville even if the holes aren't quite as big as they were in Tuscaloosa. With new offensive coordinator Greg Olsen's commitment to the run and greater competition along the offensive line, the Jaguars should certainly improve their run game this season.

Yeldon is an exciting rookie with more volume upside than any of the other rookie backs featured in this article.