2015 Steelers NFL Mock Draft: 7 Rounds v6.0

Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Le’Veon Bell could miss as many as two games during the 2015 season, and the Steelers need to find a reliable backup for their 2014 team MVP. In addition, it would not hurt if they picked up a running back via the draft process who can contribute right away like T.J. Yeldon.

An intelligent runner with excellent vision, Yeldon possesses patience with the ball like Bell. This in turn led to many splash plays for the former Crimson Tide running back. In addition to his cut back ability, Yeldon (6’1” 226 lbs.) can pound the football between the tackles and uses his large frame to gain extra yards if he runs behind his pads.

While Yeldon does not have blazing speed, he still has more than enough to break off long runs and be a danger outside the hashes. Best of all, like most Alabama running backs, Yeldon shared the running game load and only tallied 576 carries during his three years in Tuscaloosa.

Although he showed an ability to help as a pass receiver (2012-2014: 56 catches, 594 yards and 2 TDs), Yeldon occasionally misses some pass blocking assignments and will need to work on his technique before he is asked to work on passing downs. Yeldon also had some issues with ball security earlier in his career due to his smaller hands. The former Crimson Tide running back also sustained ankle, hamstring and knee injuries which hobbled him during his three years at the collegiate level.

Nevertheless, Yeldon displayed a tremendous amount of upside, productivity (2012-2014: 3,322 yards and 37 TDs) and talent in what is considered by many to be college football’s best conference. Yeldon is a player who possesses many traits which Pittsburgh likes to see in their running backs, and it would not be a shock to see him as their pick in the third round if he is still on the board.

Next: Round 4