Drafting Buccaneers: Players to Watch at the 2017 Shrine Game
RUNNING BACKS
East Running Back De’Veon Smith, Michigan Wolverines
A bit bigger than Doug Martin and a little heavier than most backs, De’Veon Smith is a late round prospect who played at the University of Michigan and compiled 2,235 yards rushing during his four seasons as a Wolverine.
The 228 lbs. runner has a little more wiggle in the running lane than most would expect, and has shown the strength to run through tackles or carry defenders on his back on his way to a 4.7 yards per carry average in 2016.
He’s probably a better pass blocker than the Buccaneers have had come in as a rookie into their backfield in a while, and while the team got some good moments out of Peyton Barber this past season, Smith could become the team’s third back once Charles Sims presumably departs after the 2017 campaign.
He dances a little more than someone with his lack of burst should, and that’ll hurt him early in his NFL career, but some good coaching should make Smith a good power back for blocking and short yard situations with the possibility of using his deceptive agility to add splash plays from time-to-time.
West Running Back Elijah McGuire, Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
#15 for the Ragin’ Cajuns is running back Elijah McGuire who spent the last three seasons as his teams primary option out of the backfield and totaled more than 4,000-yards rushing for his career.
He had at least one run of 65-yards or more in each of his four years and turned in three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
With 52 total touchdowns to his name, the shifty back was a dual threat who could weave through traffic as a ball carrier and find space to maneuver as a receiver.
His career high in receptions came in 2014 with 45, but he never fell off the map as a pass target for his quarterback with at least 20 receptions in each of his four years in Louisiana.
McGuire has limited return experience, but has the speed and field vision to go along with the willingness to take on defenders, which could lead the Buccaneers staff to give him a shot in the return game should they take a late round flier on him or find him available as an undrafted free-agent.