Buccaneers: Predicting the running back depth chart for 2021
By Rob Leeds
RB2 for the Buccaneers in 2021
If Fournette isn’t the RB1 for the Buccaneers, it’s hard to imagine him as anything other than the second guy on the depth chart.
Fournette was stellar in the playoffs and the most complete back for the Bucs by a mile in 2020. With the best hands of the running back unit, which isn’t saying much, and decent production on the ground, Playoff Lenny makes a compelling case for a prominent role from the start of the season.
Jones will probably keep the early-down reps as the better between the tackles back if last year’s regular-season stats are any indication, but the margin between Jones and Fournette is extremely slim.
Think of Fournette as more of the 1B to Jones’ 1A, but both backs give the Bucs a great chance to establish a consistent run game early, and either could start games sporadically without cause for a story or concern.
The second-year man in Tampa has plenty of momentum coming off of a spectacular playoff performance, but look for Jones to overtake him as training camp goes on.
Regardless of who the lead man is, Jones and Fournette will bring the thunder and lightning to the Bucs’ run game in 2021.