In-depth look at the running back room for the Buccaneers
By Rob Leeds
Ke’Shawn Vaughn-RB3
Ke’Shawn Vaughn generated some considerable buzz when the Buccaneers drafted him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Many people believed that Vaughn could be the new pass-catching back of the future in Tampa Bay, but that future could be shaky as of now.
As previously mentioned, Vaughn has his hands full with his new competition. Jones looks like the runner the team will lean on early, McCoy is a competent replacement with experience, and Dare Ogunbowale was a leader on the team last year.
With many of the roles occupied, Vaughn is going to have to fight and claw for as many reps as possible, with the best chance of earning these reps coming on early downs.
The narrative that Vaughn was destined to be an exceptional pass-catcher at the NFL level was reaching from the start. Players can change, and Vaughn may evolve into this type of player, but very few aspects of Vaughn’s college game indicate that this is already a perfect fit.
With pass-catching likely off the table other than in a handful of opportunities, Vaugh could steal some rushing touches away from Jones and Shady. Vaughn was a violent runner with speed in college and could be a great red zone back if the Bucs need a change of pace from Jones.
The battle is undoubtedly uphill, but Ke’Shawn Vaughn still has the chance to make his mark on the Buccaneer run game in 2020 predominantly as a backup to Jones, McCoy, or both.
2020 predictions: 65 rushing attempts for 250 yards, ten receptions for 50 yards, two touchdowns