The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: A very early 53-man roster prediction

By Zach Sauers

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back-(4)

Doug Martin, Jacquizz Rodgers, Jeremy McNichols, Peyton Barber

Before we begin, lets address the elephant in the room… where is Charles Sims on this list?

The writing has been on the wall for Sims since his inabilities were exploited these past two seasons. Not only has Sims made it clear that he is unable to run the rock successfully, but he has missed on just about every opportunity Tampa has given him. Whether or not he is on the roster come September is a 50/50 chance, but would the team really keep five running backs once Doug Martin returns?

Due to the fact that Martin will miss the first three games of the 2017 season, expect Tampa to keep ahold of returning leading rusher Jacquizz Rodgers. Rodgers filled in for Martin this past season, and did so successfully. Returning with Rodgers is undrafted rookie from the 2016 season, Peyton Barber. Barber is a player that has received an unless amount of appreciation from his head coach. If Barber truly is what Koetter believes he is, there is no question he will once again make this team.

As for rookie Jeremy McNicols, Tampa finally has received the back they have wanted. McNichols can both carry the rock and catch out of the backfield successfully, which gives the Bucs someone they can groom into a starting role. It would be no surprise if Buc fans see McNichols earn his stripes quite quickly this season.

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