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How the T.J. Yeldon Selection Affects Denard Robinson

By Luke Sims

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T.J. Yeldon is coming to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars and instantly make the running back position better. He’s going to be an immediate part of the rotation, competing against Denard Robinson, Toby Gerhart, and Bernard Pierce for touches at the running back positions.

To me, this looks like the type of pick where the Jaguars want to emphasize utilizing multiple running backs. Robinson was showing promise in 2014 and should continue to improve in 2015 as he completes his transition to running back. Yeldon will be able to come in and immediately provide a steady presence at the position.

At worst, this is competition to motivate Robinson into becoming the running back we all hope he can be. At best, the Jaguars just snagged a second starting-caliber running back who can carry the load. Both are great scenarios and I’m hoping for the latter.

It’s looking like a split load in 2015, however, with Robinson and Yeldon as the primary ball carriers right now. That could change as we find out what head coach Gus Bradley and offensive coordinator Greg Olson want to do with a running back stable that is rapidly becoming crowded. Yeldon could come out immediately as the top guy or he could simply develop into the top guy over the course of the season.

I see Denard Robinson giving Yeldon a run for his money, though. Yeldon is a gifted running back coming out of Alabama, but Robinson has been in the NFL a bit longer. Whatever Bradley and Caldwell decide to do, both of them are excited to bring in new blood to a position that has underperformed in recent years. I’m excited as well and think it can only be good for the Jaguars as they keep getting better as a team.

Next: Jag select T.J. Yeldon

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