3.72: J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Yes, the Buccaneers picked Ronald Jones with the 38th overall pick in the draft just a year ago, but if he does not pan out, then another running back will be drafted and it is inevitable. In this draft, Ohio State star running back J.K. Dobbins was available in the third round and became an opportunity too good to pass up.
Peyton Barber also re-signed just a one year deal after leading the Buccaneers in rushing in 2018. However, it is unlikely for him to be in the Bay Area in 2020 either way; if he fails to average over four yards per carry as he did a year ago, then the Buccaneers will move on, but if he thrives, then the team will be unwilling to pay him the market value for a running back.
Dobbins enters his junior season with 1,000 yard seasons in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, even with splitting carries with Mike Weber who was just cut from the Dallas Cowboys. In his first game of the 2019 season for the Buckeyes, Dobbins ran the ball 21 times for 91 yards and a score against the Florida Atlantic Owls in week one.
Even if the Buccaneers choose to keep Jones past 2019, they will still need a leading back. Dobbins fits the bill for the city of Tampa as he lands with the Buccaneers in the third round in the 2020 draft here.