RB T.J. Yeldon | Jacksonville Jaguars | 2nd Year
2015 Stats: 182 carries for 740 yards, 2 TD, 36 receptions for 279 yards, 1 TD
At first glance, Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J Yeldon had a decidedly mediocre rookie season in 2015. But taking into account four missed games, he averaged 84.9 yards from scrimmage per game on 18.2 touches per contest. The Jaguars added Chris Ivory to their backfield mix this offseason, which stands to deplete Yeldon’s already minimal short yardage and goal line role from last season, but all is not lost for the Alabama product heading into his second season.
Ivory set career-highs across the board with the New York Jets last season, with 243 carries for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns along with 30 receptions. But he still has only played all 16 games once in six seasons, and even playing 46 of 48 over the last three seasons can’t quell concerns about his durability. Ivory also had just 23 career receptions prior to last year (18 in 2014), so Yeldon’s likely role as Jacksonville’s third-down back is not going to be threatened.
Yeldon of course carries his own durability concerns, and the Jaguars having the league’s second-most pass-heavy offense last year surely helped drive up his catch total. An improved defense on paper should change Jacksonville’s offensive balance a bit this year, but Yeldon was productive enough as a runner in 2015 (4.1 yards per carry) to have an early-down role regardless.
A backfield split is not good for the fantasy ceiling of anyone, and both Ivory and Yeldon are in line to be rosterable as assets all season this year. But I’m putting Yeldon in line for more total touches, his value in PPR leagues is very good and there’s sneaky breakout potential here for 2016.
2016 Projection: 185 carries, 770 yards, 5 TD, 45 receptions for 355 yards, 2 TD
Breakout Percentage: 50%
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