Buccaneers draft 2017: Four players who benefit the most from the new class

Jacquizz Rodgers

This slide could really be titled “Bucs starting running back”, but Rodgers is the most likely to be that back when week one arrives, so he gets the nod. Even if Doug Martin is still here, he will be suspended for the first three games, and it will take a lot of Rodgers to be supplanted by one of the younger guys. Based on performance last year, Rodgers deserves the first carry of the season.

Rodgers did have modest success in 2016, posting back-to-back 100 yard games and leading the team in rushing with 560 yards. He was by far the best Bucs running back last year, showing speed through the holes and the ability to finish runs.

Now, add the additional weapons on the outside. With Evans, Jackson, Godwin, Howard, Brate, Humphries, and others, more defenders will be pulled away from the box. If the defense puts eight guys in the box, Winston will beat them all day in the passing game. There will be no point where the Bucs pass offense can be ignored. Just because of numbers, Rodgers will receive the benefit of more open lanes than he had last year, and that will translate into strong numbers.

Next: Which UDFAs will make the roster?

Who else might benefit from this draft class? Who did I miss? What do you think of the guys I chose? Sound off in the comments.