BEREA, Ohio -- The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted running back T.J. Yeldon to be the workhorse tailback they'd been missing.
The songs from OTAs and minicamp have praised the rookie's ability both in the run and passing game. However, Yeldon told Around The NFL on Tuesday he'd currently place himself at the bottom of the running back depth chart.
"I got myself as last, and I'm still trying to work my way up to the top," Yeldon said at the Rookie Symposium. "I'm just out there to compete and work my way up to the top, see what I can do."
It might not be a steep hill for Yeldon to climb during next month's training camp. His competition is set to be Toby Gerhart (coming off a disappointing season), Denard Robinson (a rotational scat back) and Bernard Pierce (also coming off a poor season).
Some believe that Yeldon could become a three-down player in Greg Olson's offense. The rookie said he knows he could play that role, but is more concerned with taking it one step at a time.
"I feel like I can be a three-down back, but I'm just out there trying to do what I do," he said. "I'm still learning, so I'm not trying to say I'm a three-down back or anything right now. I've done it before at Alabama, but it's a different league now, so we will see."
The Jags have been searching for an answer in the backfield for years. If Yeldon can climb the depth chart ladder quickly in July, he could quickly become an every-down player.
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