
Running Back
Running back was a hotly contested position this offseason, and many were upset that the Buccaneers did not draft or sign a starting caliber guy. With Peyton Barber re-signing for just one year this offseason and the uncertainty surrounding Ronald Jones, the Buccaneers may be in the market for multiple backs next year.
Neither Jones nor Barber are adept at catching the ball out of the backfield either, which is a must-have in an Arians style offense (see David Johnson, Andre Ellington). The Buccaneers did sign Ellington this offseason, but he seems more like a veteran presence to help the younger backs learn a new system.
The Buccaneers averaged less than four yards per carry last year, including Jones, who averaged less than two. If a performance this bad happens again in 2019, then there will be a complete overhaul of the running back room after this season.
Some names to keep an eye on at the running back position in college football this year are Georgia’s D’Andre Swift, Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins, and Clemson’s Travis Etienne. Even if the Buccaneers have a bit of success on the ground, it would not be a shock to see them address the position and seek an offensive weapon.