Buccaneers 2020 NFL Mock Draft: Jameis Winston returns

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 30: Lamical Perine #2 of the Florida Gators breaks a tackle from De’Vante Cross #15 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half of the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

While the Buccaneers had a chance to draft Cam Akers earlier on in this draft, it makes far more sense to give Ronald Jones the reins in 2020 and see how it plays out before bringing in a potential replacement.

Jones’ stats in 2019 were sufficient relative to his touches to earn himself a full season as a starter where he is not splitting reps. A player like Cam Akers or J.K. Dobbins would come in and immediately challenge Jones for the starting spot, likely wasting the 2018 second round pick.

A selection on a player like Perine would play out far better for the Buccaneers. The Bucs don’t need anyone to come in and split reps with Jones. What they actually need is someone who can come in and find success between the tackles while giving Jones a rest.

At 5’11”, 218 pounds, Perine has the potential to be a successful running back in short yardage situations if Rojo needs a break.

Perine would not have to come and be a pass-catcher as Jones certainly possess the ability the get multiple targets a game, but the Bucs will need a player to replace Peyton Barber if they choose to move on from him this upcoming offseason.

Perine possesses a similar skillset to Barber and would be able to fill that role well while not being as expensive. Fifth round picks are usually where it becomes more of a guessing game, but Perine has shown consistency and would be a low-risk pickup in the later rounds.

In his senior year for Florida, Perine had 676 yards on 132 carries for 5.1 yards per carry and five touchdowns.

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