2021 NFL Draft: Full first-round mock draft with Bucs adding offense
By Rob Leeds
2021 NFL Draft: Pick 32
32. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. UNC. Javonte Williams . 48. RB. player
The Buccaneers are probably going to commit a cardinal sin during the draft, it is just time for us all to prepare for it. The running back room in Tampa Bay was great in 2020, but the time has come to make improvements.
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Taking a running back with the 32nd pick of the draft is nothing new. The Chiefs did it when they had very few holes on the roster after winning the Super Bowl in 2020, so it makes sense that the Buccaneers are projected to do the same.
While Ronald Jones, Leonard Fournette, and whatever combination possible could return in 2021, the Bucs still have one major hole; a consistent pass-catcher out of the backfield.
The Buccaneer running backs showed horrific hands in 2020, and Tampa Bay has to make a change at this position if they want Tom Brady to succeed next season.
Javonte Williams is a great runner and explosive as a receiver. Williams has a higher ceiling than Jones as a complete player, and he could easily take over the RB1 duties down the road if the Bucs let Jones walk during free agency.
At the very least, Williams could be a substantial improvement over Leonard Fournette in the third-down role in year one.
This isn’t the most exciting pick for the Bucs, but with so few needs, it could make the most sense on the day of the draft if Tampa Bay is able to keep their key free agents.
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