When pick No. 162 came around, the Buccaneers finally selected a running back, taking Boise State’s Jeremy McNichols. Let’s break it down.
Many thought the Buccaneers would look at Dalvin Cook in round one of the 2017 NFL Draft. When they didn’t, the focus turned to a day two running back. Then, that didn’t happen. The team may like what they already have at running back, but with their first pick of day three, they took Boise State running back Jeremy McNichols.
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The pick is an interesting one, as McNichols is likely just there for depth. With reports that Doug Martin is looking good, it appears that Tampa Bay doesn’t necessarily think a new starter is needed. With Jacquizz Rodgers re-signing as the likely backup and Charles Sims still on the roster, McNichols may not have much of a role initially, unless he separates himself during training camp.
The 5-foot-9-inch, 214-pound back ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He is pretty elusive, with one of his strengths being his ability to make tacklers miss in the backfield. According to his NFL.com draft profile, he doesn’t do too much dancing in the backfield, which is something that Sims struggles with. His vision is solid, but he does struggle with ball protection and blocking. Over the last two seasons at Boise State, he fumbled eight times.
In his three-year college career, he rushed for 3,205 yards and 44 touchdowns. He also caught 103 passes for 1,089 yards and 11 scores. In his final season, he scored 27 total touchdowns, with 23 coming on the ground.
The Bucs likely see McNichols only as a depth piece, with the possibility of challenging Sims or Peyton Barber for playing time on Sundays.
Next: Buccaneers Select Jeremy McNichols In Round Five
What do you think of the pick, Bucs fans? He may not be who everyone wanted before the draft started, but McNichols is the newest running back on the Tampa Bay roster.