Buccaneers, Dalvin Cook Want To Make It Happen

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and running back prospect Dalvin Cook want to team up in 2017 and beyond.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been linked, mocked, and projected to take a running back in the upcoming draft given all the issues and questions surrounding Doug Martin and his issues – both on the field and off. It’s a foregone conclusion the Bucs will address running back in some way, shape, or form at the draft.

The question is how?

Former Buccaneer and local Tampa radio personality Booger McFarland – now of ESPN – was on Justin Pawlowski’s Bucs Uncensored Podcast Saturday and he spoke about the running back situation for the Bucs and what he knows about it;

"“I know the Bucs are really sold on taking a running back in the first round, especially with what’s going on with Doug Martin. He’s had his issues and I think the Bucs are kinda at a point right now where, you know, Charles Sims is going to be a change of pace guy and they need a guy that can tote the mail, give them fifteen to eighteen carries and can be a home run hitter.More from Bucs DraftThe Athletic’s early NFL Mock Draft has the Bucs taking a Top 5 QB in 2024Bucs front office reveals one thing the team missed during NFL DraftPeter King explains simple reason why Bucs passed on drafting Will LevisMel Kiper Jr. hands out his official Buccaneers draft gradeTampa Bay Buccaneers undrafted free agents tracker 2023I know that Dalvin Cook, being from Florida, he wants to stay in the state of Florida and that leaves really only three teams when you talk about the Jaguars, the Bucs, and the Dolphins. As quiet as it’s kept, the Bucs are kinda the hot team in this state. Everyone thinks the arrows pointing up. Jameis Winston, you get DeSean Jackson, everything going on offense…I think there is mutual interest from Dalvin Cook staying in the state, because he’s from here, and I’m about 99% sure the Buccaneers want a running back in the first round. If you put those two things together, I know they like Dalvin Cook, but I also know they like Joe Mixon, so that’s one of the ones I think they’ll have to run by the Glazers. If Jason Licht has his druthers, they’re gonna take a running back in the first round.”"

Booger had more interesting things to say as he reunited with former 98.7 The Fan colleague Justin Pawlowski. You can hear the rest of the interview here, but it’s called Bucs Uncensored for a reason – there is some strong language so proceed with caution.

I’ve had the feeling the Bucs were going running back in the first round for quite a while and I’ve been convinced that Dalvin Cook will be the guy. Now, the draft is a crazy thing so anything can happen – and it usually does – so I found it very interesting that the Bucs like Joe Mixon.

Given Mixon’s past, he seemed like a player the Bucs could take on but would likely avoid if possible. From what Booger is saying, though (and he has eyes and ears inside One Buc), the Bucs and Cook want to make this thing happen.

Will we see a first round trade up to ensure they get their guy? Could Cook’s stock really be dropping like we’ve heard lately? Both are possible, but trading up seems more likely than Cook falling to the second round.

Next: VJax Believes He Still Has Gas In The Tank

We’re closing in on the draft so all these questions will be answered soon enough. What would you rather see? Dalvin Cook or Joe Mixon lining up behind Winston on Sundays? Let us know in the comments, on Twitter, or on Facebook. Listen below to James Yarcho and David Harrison discuss Joe Mixon and his fit with the Bucs and in the NFL.