The Pewter Plank
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3 2020 NFL Draft needs Tampa Bay Buccaneers must prepare for now

By Cory Kinnan

Devin White of LSU after he was chosen #5 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Devin White of LSU after he was chosen #5 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 9: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball past the out stretch arms of Marcus Davenport #92 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 48-40. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 9: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball past the out stretch arms of Marcus Davenport #92 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 48-40. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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.

Next. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on their last straw in 2019. dark

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.

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