T.J. Yeldon leads all rookie running backs with 259 rushing yards and has taken on the lead role in the Jacksonville Jaguars' backfield.
Ahead of facing the rookie runner on Sunday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy made an interesting comparison.
"He looks like a smaller version of Le'Veon Bell to me," McCoy said, referencing the Pittsburgh Steelers running back, via ESPN.com. "(Yeldon) has a little power to him, but he can make you miss. You can be standing right in front of him, and you'll miss. He's still a little raw, though. He's got a lot to learn. But he's a good back."
McCoy's comparison makes sense on one level: Yeldon has displayed a Bell-like ability to be an every-down back, catch the ball out of the backfield and churn yards between the tackle.
However, at nearly 20 pounds lighter, Yeldon hasn't yet displayed nearly the same explosive ability as Bell, the patience on inside runs or the 0-to-60 cut-and-burst the Steelers' back deploys. The rookie has been a solid runner, but hasn't shown uber-special traits to make us think he'll bust out Todd Gurley-style.
Yeldon has compiled 70 carries for 259 yards (3.7 YPC) and 10 catches for 42 yards. He is the only player in the NFL with 80 or more offensive touches without a touchdown.
The rookie has improved with each game, including his first career 100-yard performance in Week 4. He could be in for another big day against McCoy and the Bucs, who have given up 18 runs of 10-plus yards this season, tied for most in the NFL.
If Yeldon continues to improve and impress, perhaps he'll earn that Bell comparison. For now, it sounds like a pre-game platitude.
