The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Best Buccaneers OTA and Minicamp Battles

By Brian DeFeo

Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) huddles up with the defense against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) huddles up with the defense against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Oct 15, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Peyton Barber (25) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Auburn defeated Kentucky 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Peyton Barber (25) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Auburn defeated Kentucky 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Third String Running Back

Mike James vs Storm Johnson vs Peyton Barber vs Russell Hansbrough

Bobby Rainey held this spot last season but he left via free agency.  The Bucs need solid depth at running back because Martin and Sims, while very talented, have been injured and missed many games before.  Mike James showed flashes of brilliance in his few appearances in regular season games, most notably against Seattle in 2013 where he ran for 158 yards.  He was ready to become the top back with Martin down but unfortunately he broke his ankle in the next game and has never had more than 20 yards in a game since.

Storm Johnson was drafted by the Jaguars in 2014, played a few snaps, and was waived in 2015. He didn’t play a snap last year and looks to bounce back this year.  He played college ball at UCF so Tampa has done plenty of scouting on him.  Peyton Barber and Russell Hansbrough are undrafted free agents coming off fairly successful college careers.  Barber spent one season as the Auburn’s starting tailback, managing 1,017 yards and 13 TDs on 238 carries.  His mother being homeless was addressed at the combine and he is extremely motivated to make a roster spot.

Hansbrough was a four-year player at Missouri and had his most successful season his junior year, 205 carries, 1084 yards, and 10 touchdowns.  Hansbrough is more of a speed back and something the Bucs have been looking for in their backfield.

There is going to be a tough competition but I believe one of the undrafted rookies could claim a spot on the final 53-man roster.

Next: Third Wide Receiver

Home/Bucs News