Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 running backs to target in the draft

Benny Snell Jr., Kentucky

The heart and soul of a surprisingly good Kentucky Wildcats football team, Benny Snell elected to forgo his final year of eligibility to pursue an NFL career.

More from The Pewter Plank

• Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
• ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
• Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
• Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
• The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023

Snell is a physical and aggressive running back who looks to abuse his tacklers. Versatility is a big bonus for running backs at the NFL level and Snell brings a good balance of power, vision and patience to wear down opposing defenses.

Even with Snell posting amazing numbers during his Junior year campaign to make it three seasons in a row over 1,000 yards, a senior season would have benefited his draft stock. In three years at Kentucky, Snell toted the rock for 3,873 yards, averaging over five yards per carry, and 48 touchdowns.

While Snell is an elite runner he leaves many wanting more from a passing game perspective. In three years Snell managed to put together 29 catches for just 216 yards. Snell often times lined up in the slot and would run routes out of the backfield and while he was not bad, he just did not produce like a guy hoping to be an every down player at the next level.

Even with a lackluster pass catching resume Snell could have easily been a day-two selection but ran a 4.66 40 yard dash at the combine. With a less than stellar performance at the combine Snell saw his day-two chances slip away and that is a great thing for teams looking for a diamond in the rough on day three.

Even if Snell does not turn into a stud bellcow back, he will likely be a rotational and situational back who finds a home and fills a need in the NFL. Tampa Bay could be that home that Snell is looking for.