Buccaneers: Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins could be game-changer
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers begin to prepare for the 2020 NFL Draft, the organization should keep its eye on RB J.K. Dobbins.
The running game has been a bit of an issue for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In 2019, the Buccaneers were No. 3 in the league in total offense (397.9 yards per game), but only 95.1 yards came on the ground (No. 24 in the NFL).
While much of that has to do with Arians’ system, it also has to do with a lack of depth and talent in the running back field. Ronald Jones II led the team in rushing with 724 yards on 172 carries (4.2 YPC) and six touchdowns, which was good enough for 32nd in the league.
Behind Jones II was Peyton Barber, who had 154 attempts for 470 yards (3.1 YPC) and six touchdowns.
As we look at what the Buccaneers will do in the upcoming NFL Draft, it’s clear that the lines of scrimmage will be addressed. The Buccaneers need an upgrade at offensive tackle and will likely have to do some depth-building along the defensive line. Those areas are obvious, but it wouldn’t hurt Tampa Bay to come away with a game-changing running back to add to the fold.
In steps Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins.
Out of the running back selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, Dobbins is easily the most explosive. While teams are enamored with Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor and Georgia’s D’Andre Swift for their durability, it’s clear that Dobbins possesses the best athletic and play-making ability of the three.
USA Today’s draft wire released its first four-round draft of the year and had Dobbins going to the Buccaneers in the second round.
That would make a lot of sense if the talented running back fell that far.
Dobbins isn’t just a monster on the ground who averaged 6.2 yards per carry and rushed for 4,459 yards in his three-year collegiate career, he’s a legitimate threat out of the backfield, catching 71 passes for 645 yards and five touchdowns during his time at Ohio State.
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Dobbins would be the perfect complement to a guy like Ronald Jones II and could be the explosive play-maker needed to take this Tampa Bay rushing offense to the next level through his versatility.