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NFL Draft 2017: Top 10 early entrants who didn’t get drafted

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Travis Rudolph (15) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Travis Rudolph (15) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Joseph Yearby (2) runs with the ball against Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Joseph Yearby (2) runs with the ball against Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Signed by: San Francisco 49ers

It was surprising to see the 2017 NFL Draft pass by without hearing Joseph Yearby’s name called, but it was an even bigger shock to see that he received only a camp invite from the 49ers. He’s one of the better running backs to go undrafted this year and Miami fans were furiously petitioning the hometown Dolphins to sign him.

However, he went all seven rounds without hearing his name called despite being considered one of the nation’s elite running backs prior to the 2016 season. He had just rushed for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore and was set to smash those career-highs.

Related Story: NFL Draft 2017: Ranking success by conference

Unfortunately, Mark Walton took over as the lead back, rushing for over 1,100 yards as a sophomore and forced Yearby to take a back seat.

That’s not to say Yearby didn’t have an impressive season, though. He rushed for 608 yards on 102 carries and finished with a career-high seven rushing touchdowns. He only recorded 10-plus carries in three games and finished with two 100-yard performances. He still averaged 6.0 yards per carry.

If the 2015 season was any indication of the type of bruising back he would be, the 49ers may have just gotten a steal.

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