Potential options at running back for Buccaneers in 2020
By Rob Leeds
As far as 2020 is concerned, two running backs that will almost assuredly be on the roster are Ronald Jones and Dare Ogunbowale.
Rojo is likely going to be the RB1 to start the season regardless of what transpires. Jones was able to pick up steam at the end of the season and saw his consistency between the tackles improve.
Jones was able to post a respectable 4.2 yards per carry in 2019 and was on pace to break the 1,000-yards on the ground ceiling had it not been for the splitting of carries. Peyton Barber was far less explosive and the run game was much more exciting with Rojo carrying the ball.
Ronald Jones also saw his skills as a pass-catcher improve in 2019 and would be incredibly viable in third-down scenarios if the Buccaneers were to give him more opportunities.
In addition to Jones, Tampa Bay will likely keep third-down running back and special teams captain Dare Ogunbowale on the roster.
Ogunbowale was one of the better camp stories last season-a practice squad player who beat out Andre Ellington for a roster spot and reps on third down.
Ogunbowale wasn’t much of a runner between the tackles but his blocking was serviceable on passing downs and he was a great check down for Jameis if the desperate play on third and long started to break down. Ogunbowale’s role may diminish if Jones starts to take more reps on third down but he still has a value for the team all the same.
While Jones looks set to take over the majority of the touches when running the ball in 2020, the Bucs may look to the 2020 NFL Draft to find a replacement or a compliment for Rojo. While the Buccaneers should probably not replace Jones, nothing is off the table yet.