Time To “Get Healthy” At Running Back
March 1st, 2010
Joe is among those who believe the Bucs are suspect at running back.
Sure, Joe greatly appreciates Cadillac Williams’ accomplishments, and Joe’s a big Earnest Graham fan, and Derrick Ward might perform if given a chance, but the reality is that all of those guys are on the downsides of their careers. Yet the Bucs are supposed to be rebuilding with youth?
Heck, even Antonio Bryant was too old, and he’s younger than Graham and Ward.
Esteemed draft guru Mike Mayock, of NFL Network, was raving about the 2010 running backs class over the airwaves Sunday. “If you need a running back, you can get healthy in this draft,” Mayock said.
His analyst co-hort Mike Lombardi, a former NFL personnel executive, was of similar mind. And Lombardi had major kudos for Fresno State RB Ryan Matthews, who used to share the backfield with Clifton Smith and was explosive in his combine drills.
Matthews looks like the one-cut punishing runner the Bucs allegedly want to have. Lombardi said Matthews “has the buzz. …He does everything. …He moves way up the draft chart.”
Now Joe has no clue what the Bucs’ plan is. But they sure could use a running back. Sad thing is you could say that about every position, outside of offensive line and tight end.
March 1st, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Joe, I’ve heard the Bucs are high on Kareem Huggins. Any word on if he may see the field this year?
March 1st, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Joe here,
Have spent time with Kareem, and he’s well respected and a hard worker. Doesn’t mean he’ll see the field.
March 1st, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Why does it feel like, after a DT at 3, both 2nd round picks will be offense? RB and WR to be specific.
March 1st, 2010 at 1:08 pm
If Ryans Matthews slips to #3 in the 2nd, or Ben Tate makes it to #3 of the 3rd…..I think we have to take one.
Huggins has to get a shot this year. I can’t imagine how he couldn’t.
March 1st, 2010 at 1:13 pm
I like matthews I think he’s a complete back ! As for tate I think he will go 3rd round or 4th round unless he gos crazy at the combine and pro day!
March 1st, 2010 at 1:41 pm
He did go crazy at the combine yesterday. Out of all the RBs Tate was 3rd in the 40, 1st in bench reps and broad jump, and 2nd in the vertical jump. He looked like the most natural pass catcher in drills too. All this from a guy that is 6ft 220lbs….and he has the college production, stats, and higlight reels to back it all up. Can’t imagine passing him up in the 3rd. I don’t even understand how he isn’t considered a top 5 RB in this draft.
Tate and Huggins in 2010! Go Bucs!
March 1st, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Also…he was 6th in the 3 cone drill and 2nd in the 20 yard shuffle. Plus he is a smart kid that interviews well.
March 1st, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Tate the WR from Notre Dame…
I just officially put him on my want list. Even before Dez due to his lack of commitment and stupidity.
March 1st, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Pretty certain Matthews won’t pass SD late in the first round since Spiller will go early. But if he’s there at #42 we might have to look at him from a best available talent standpoint. He won’t slip to the 3rd round. The RB’s on this team are getting old. If they draft a RB, Ward is a goner.
#3 DT McCoy / Suh
#35 WR Demaryius Thomas
#42 RB Ryan Mathews
March 1st, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Trade down and get Spiller, and add a pick.
The kid is going to be a star.
March 1st, 2010 at 5:34 pm
I don’t think Matthews will get past San Diego either Gary. I think they are really happy to see him answer his critics with a great 40 time. I have a feeling Matthews will do very well in San Diego for a long time.
I think Ben Tate in the 3rd would be the best value at RB in this draft. Really hope we make that happen. Instant upgrade over everyone of our backs.
March 1st, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Besides matthew I like dixon from mississippi state he’s a physical runner!
March 1st, 2010 at 7:05 pm
I agree with Eric. If we waste a pick on a RB, his name had better be Spiller.
March 1st, 2010 at 7:46 pm
here is a clue……
football is about being able to run the football against the other team…..
and
being able to stop the other team from running the ball……
always has been….
always will be….
March 1st, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Matthews does everything. If you think he’s just a physical back that pounds the rock, you are mistaken. His one question mark was wether he had the top end speed to be elite, and then he ran a 4.4 at the combine. He is the real deal.
March 1st, 2010 at 8:45 pm
@jdouble I like Ben Tate also. We need help at RB, whether that’s in the 3rd/4th round. We can’t ignore that skill position.