Buccaneers Off-Season Position Preview: Running Backs
Potential Draft Targets
If the Buccaneers don’t want to overpay for a free-agent on the open market, there looks to be plenty of talent in the draft pool this year.
Like there was last year, a solid number of contributors from the backfield seem to be out there. Unlike last year, if the team doesn’t sign someone, they really need to hit in the draft.
Here are a couple guys we’ll be keeping our eye on this draft season.
Saquon Barkley – Penn State
As morbid as the Bucs’ running game has been as of late, I don’t view the position as the top need. Selecting a first-round back becomes even harder to swallow considering the talent lining up behind him in the day two or day three range.
Honestly, if Bradley Chubb, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Quenton Nelson are all gone at the seventh pick, I want to see Jason Licht trade back if offered.
However, if the team sticks and picks, then Barkley would be the guy I’d choose as of now.
Barkley gained over 5,000-yards of offense in just three seasons as a Nittany Lion running back. 1,195 of those came in the passing game.
He’s definitely not a player I’d be disappointed to see wearing pewter in 2018, he’s just not the first name I’d take.
Sony Michel – Georgia
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He’s not the only Bulldogs running back projected as a day two pick, but he’s the one I envision having the best shot at landing with the Buccaneers.
Michel looks like the more rounded prospect in comparison to teammate Nick Chubb and possesses more of the attributes the Bucs need to pair with Barber for 2018.
Twice, the running back topped 1,000-yards rushing in Athens, and twice he brought in more than 20 passes.
How he does at the combine and his Pro Day will go a long way to sealing his draft position, but getting this guy on day two would be a big get.
Kalen Ballage – Arizona State
Let’s say the Buccaneers do what they did last year and wait all the way into day three to draft a running back.
Besides the turmoil it would cause on social media, it would put that much more pressure on Licht and his coaching staff to get it right.
This doesn’t mean the guy has to be a starter. It just means there has to be some flashes there, and he has to be a contributor. Not an easy task for a late rounder.
Kalen Ballage from Arizona State could be the guy they target late it they go that route though.
He’s got a nice balance of running power and speed and put both on display during the college all-star period.
I fully expect him to stand out at the combine. However, his lack of production as a Sun Devil will stand out as well.
His Junior year was his best statistically when he carried the ball for 536-yards and also added 469 receiving yards.
82 career receptions show he’s a big powerful runner who can also contribute to the passing game. Think, Charles Sims with more upside and athleticism. He also carries some of the same commitment issues when running the ball though.
There are so many potential outcomes to what the team does at running back it’s hard to get a good feel of what the results will be.
Ideally, an experienced guy brought in to contribute along with a mid-late draft pick to develop is the way to go. Rashaad Penny is another name to watch this draft season.
What are your thoughts on all things running back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneer? Are there other free-agents or draft prospects you have your eye one? Let me know in the comments or on social media to discuss.