Buccaneers: How to fix years of drafting the wrong running back
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers aren’t known for drafting the right running backs. This can change.
The Buccaneers need to target at least one running back in the upcoming draft. With James White out of contention in free agency, Tampa Bay still has a glaring need at third-down back. The draft will be the best place to address this deficiency.
Unfortunately for the Bucs, while the rest of their draft strategy has been excellent the past few years, drafting running backs has been a touchy subject. Ronald Jones and Ke’Shawn Vaughn were both priority picks within the past few seasons, yet neither has played up to that level yet.
Now, with the 32nd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in hand, many mock drafts have the Bucs targeting a running back in the first round. This decision would be a massive mistake.
Javonte Williams, Travis Etienne, and Najee Harris are the big names to watch right now. All three have been in mocks for the Bucs in the past few months, yet none will help Tampa Bay in the needed way.
Etienne probably has the best skill set to fit in the necessary role, but he and Harris should be off the board well before the Bucs can pick. Williams is the favorite right now amongst most of the outlets, but not only is this pick a reach, but it also is not addressing the need for the team.