Back to the Pittsburgh Steelers Newsfeed

2017 NFL Draft Player Profiles: Miami RB Joseph Yearby

From now until the 2017 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.

Joseph Yearby/Miami RB – 5’9” 200 lbs.

The Good:

– Quick, light feet that allow him to change directions quickly
– Makes defenders miss with balance, juke and spin moves
– Has good burst to get away from defenders
– Reads blocks and rushing lanes well
– Catches the ball cleanly in stride
– One career fumble on 393 carries
– Mean stiff-arm

The Bad:

– Only started one season in college (2015), left junior year as third stringer with coaching change
– Takes too many steps when fewer would work just as well or better
– Doesn’t break many tackles especially in short yardage/goal line situations
– Is as big as he is going to get, no more room on his frame
– More quick than fast
– Not a refined pass blocker

Bio:

– Five star running back prospect by Scout
– Finished his college career with 38 games played (13 started), 393 rushes for 2,119 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, 40 receptions for 430 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns
– Two-time football state champion for Miami Central
– Ran for over 5,300 yards and 63 touchdowns in high school
– Decided to play in hometown Miami over Florida, FSU, USC, West Virginia, and Louisville
– Started over Dalvin Cook in high school
– Father of two children

Tape Breakdown:

The halfback reads the line on his delayed handoff.