No Running Back Move In Round 1
April 7th, 2017
BY IRA KAUFMAN
The need is obvious. The solution is not.
Less than three weeks from the draft, the Bucs have a gaping hole at running back. Let’s not try to pretend Jacquizz Rodgers, Charles Sims and Peyton Barber are going to strike fear in Tampa Bay opponents, forcing them to utilize eight men in the box.
You notice I haven’t mentioned Doug Martin. That’s not an oversight.
Odds are Martin has made his last appearance in pewter, destined to be released before the 2017 opener.
The biggest reason the 2016 Buc offense struggled compared to the 2015 version was a lousy ground game that hampered Dirk Koetter’s ability to exploit opposing defenses.
The Bucs averaged only 3.6 yards per carry while the league average was 4.2. When they rushed for at least 100 yards, the Bucs were 6-1.
Give Koetter credit — he stuck with a dismal ground game longer than most head coaches would have. But with few exceptions, Jameis Winston’s play-action failed to freeze defenders who simply didn’t respect Tampa Bay’s run game.
“Our ground game is crucial,” says co-owner Joel Glazer. “A good run game makes the quarterback better and keeps other teams off balance. Last year, there were a lot of injuries there, a lot of frustration.”
Nobody is more frustrated than Koetter, who certainly didn’t expect an issue in the backfield 13 months after re-signing Martin to a five-year deal.
Diving Deep
The answer to Tampa Bay’s ground woes couldn’t be found in free agency, where the pickings were slim.
No surprise there.
“Where do you get the best value on a running back — when he’s coming out of college,” says Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian. “You don’t get value for him as a free agent, or very few, because the bottom line is he doesn’t have much tread left on his tires, especially if he’s played a lot. The best time to get a running back is in the draft.”
But where in the draft?
“I would never take a running back in the first round any year,” says ESPN’s Mel Kiper. “Last time I checked, 11 of the 12 teams in the playoffs didn’t have a first-round running back. I think it proves out over the long haul.”
As your favorite Bucs site has noted, only two of the 12 backs to gain at least 1,000 yards last year were selected in the opening round — rookie Ezekiel Elliott of Dallas and Saints veteran Mark Ingram.
In the last four drafts, Elliott is one of only three backs chosen in Round 1, joining Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon.
Sitting at No.19, the Bucs will probably have a legitimate shot at either Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook or Christian McCaffrey.
Coveted by the Panthers and Saints, Fournette figures to be off the board before Tampa Bay turns its card in, but McCaffrey and Cook could be available … and that’s where things get interesting.
“I think McCaffrey is an excellent player,” says Texans coach Bill O’Brien. “I think he’s an every-down back. I’m not sure I would even label him as a back. He does so many different things. He lines up in the backfield, he’s an offensive weapon and he’s a very bright guy. I was pretty impressed with a lot of these guys that I met at the combine and he was one of them.”
Like many pro scouts, O’Brien is sold on the depth of this running back class.
Beyond the Big Three, there are potential studs like Joe Mixon, D’onta Freeman, Alvin Kamara, Wayne Gallman, Matthew Dayes and Jamaal Williams.
Double Duty
Fournette has the look of a rookie who will average 20 carries and wear out defenses. Cook and McCaffrey are more versatile, which could appeal to a grandmaster like Koetter.
“From my perspective, McCaffrey’s a match-up guy,” says Mike Mayock of NFL Network. “He’s a chess piece. He’s bigger and tougher than people think he is and he’s also a return guy.”
If you’re not blessed with an Elliott or a DeMarco Murray in your backfield, the smart approach is to split up the carries. That seems a likely formula for the Bucs in the fall, and that’s alright because Rodgers and Sims have proven to be effective role players.
“Here’s the real scoop — running backs have short careers,” Polian says. “They burn out very quickly and in today’s game you really need two of them.”
Giants coach Ben McAdoo also likes the committee approach.
“It’s tough to say one guy is going to be your running back,” McAdoo says. “You need a variety of players there, not just two, maybe three.”
My guess is the Bucs pass on a running back in the opening round, even if Cook and McCaffrey are still available. Don’t fret, Jameis, backfield help is on the way a little further down the line.
The sage of Tampa Bay sports, JoeBucsFan.com columnist eye-RAH! Kaufman, sat down with big-time Bucs fan and World Series manager Joe Maddon this week, as well as Bucs owner Joel Glazer at the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix. Ira’s offering today dives into their Bucs mindset, and his columns appear here every Monday, Wednesday & Friday. His podcasts fire Tuesdays and Thursdays.
April 7th, 2017 at 9:39 am
Sage wisdom as always from the best Journalist on this terrific site.
April 7th, 2017 at 9:40 am
QB’s, O Line, Pass rush, CB’s, those are 1st round picks.
April 7th, 2017 at 9:43 am
I like that you included Jamaal Williams as a “potential stud”. He is definitely overlooked to say the least.
April 7th, 2017 at 9:45 am
Don’t make sense Ira, it doesn’t go very far on this site. History has only proven dozens upon dozens of times just in the last 10 or 15 years where a team should draft a running back.
The trend is not to use a 1st round pick on a running back, the last couple years are prime examples. How are the Rams and Chargers doing with those two highly toted running backs they selected in the 1st round? How many playoff games did the Vikings win with Adrian Peterson? How many playoff games did the Bucs win with Cadillac Williams and Doug Martin.
I’m sure this time will be different though, right?
The Cowboys didn’t win because they drated Elliot in the 1st, they won because they built their o-line the previous three or four years. Your don’t have to be a brain surgeon to see how this thing works.
April 7th, 2017 at 9:49 am
Ira’s the man, and I have also been of the thought the Bucs will not take a RB early…my take is round 3. And I agree that Quizz, Sims, and Barber won’t strike fear as Ira says, I think they can carry the load for three games along with the other Winston Weapons…until Martin is back. I do think Martin will be back. I’ll say if they want to draft a RB in Round2 and send Martin away, that’s fine with me too…but I think Martin is good for redemption.
April 7th, 2017 at 9:49 am
The problem is someone is going to pick these guys in the first round, and after very productive years were going to be saying god how did we pass on these guys. It’s not a exact science picking these guys, just the eye ball test to tell us the hell with it he’s good, just pick him round be dammed. So i say if you need a back you might as well pick the best ones, instead of picking a lesser talent later.
April 7th, 2017 at 9:52 am
Fornette will be long gone when Tampa picks, and the Saints will grab him.
He will be their new Duce Staley, on steroids.
Fornette will be running all over the NFL for years.
April 7th, 2017 at 9:56 am
If we are lucky enough to get one of the big 3 don’t stop there. Get a second one in the mid rounds. If we don’t get one of the top 3 pick two from the mid rounds. That way you have 5 backs to work with, you can keep fresh legs running and catching the ball. Most are average receivers and based on their film all have breakaway ability. Finally take advantage of this deep class to correct 1) weapon for Winston 2) Hopefully a breakout candidate to replace Martin and 3) fresh legs with the ability to replace one if an injury occurs. Finish the draft with TE”s and FS and possibly an edge rusher.
April 7th, 2017 at 9:57 am
The Bucs have perhaps the worst running backs in the NFL and that is the reason why it is such a priority for the franchise to attempt at getting one of the top 3 backs in this years draft.
The Bucs running backs are so awful I would not be surprised if they grab one in the 1st and then another later in the draft.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:00 am
Gotta agree with Blake.
Ira- you are a great addition to Joebuc!
Love your columns and Podcast.
This is another wise post.
Again- my draft predictions. Only changed TE. Adam S was getting to much attention to last to 4th round.
1. DE Taco Charlton. Pass rusher!!
2. WR Zay Jones. Another great weapon.
3. RB Marlon Mack. Replaces The undependable Doug Martin
4. TE Eric Saubert. To team with Cameron Brate
5. S Fish Smithson. Free safety with skills to start.
6. C Isaac Asiata. Coach Warhop will make him a starter
7. CB Dez Lawrence. Has an honest shot to make the team
8. Free agent- LB Hardy Nickerson ll, strong side LB.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:00 am
There are some great options in later rounds, and I have one that is my particular favorite.
Really, it also depends on what sort of RB Koetter wants. He did not draft Martin, so do we really know his preference for his starting RB? We know he wants Sims, but not for a starting role.
What if his desire is for a bullish rusher? Then there isn’t a first round option is there?
When it comes down to it, we’re all just guessing.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:05 am
Gotbucs all three of those running backs have had at least one terrific season. Football is a team game with 21 other guys starting. According to your theory Barry Sanders wasn’t a valuable athlete because the Lions didn’t win a SB with him. Another useless guy was John Elway until he got some guy named Terrel Davis. That turned out pretty well in the end.
The fact that Glazer stated that the running game was a key to our success in the past should not be glossed over either. After all, they sign the check over at OneBuc.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:13 am
We need to send Martin packing, Rogers, Sims, and Barber are great backups but not starters. We need a player maker like Cook.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:18 am
Yeah but the greatest running backs of all time mostly came in the first round. I judge players by special talent vs value. I prefer special talent which is either Mcafferey or Cook.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:19 am
Yeah but the greatest running backs of all time mostly came in the first round. I judge players by special talent vs value. I prefer special talent which is either Mcafferey or Cook
April 7th, 2017 at 10:26 am
I agree Luv. Many posters seem to act like a guy drafted in the 4th round has just as much upside as a 1st rounder. There is a reason these three guys are graded out as first round talent. I want one of those guys
April 7th, 2017 at 10:27 am
Hey Ira – you remember the LBJ – Ben Bradlee – J. Edgar Hoover story? You keep saying Martin gone is a foregone conclusion may come back to haunt you.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:33 am
Former Brooklyn halfback “Swervin” Irvin Kaufman knows his running backs. Of course it really depends on how the 1st round plays out.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:35 am
“My guess is the Bucs pass on a running back in the opening round, even if Cook and McCaffrey are still available.”
I gotta disagree with you this time Irv. There’s no chance the Bucs pass on Cook if he is sitting there at 19. His tape screams top 10 talent so picking Dalvin at #19 would be good value. Its a moot point because Cook will not be there at 19 and I am against paying extra to move up for him. Hope Licht feels the same way.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:38 am
Pickgrin, I don’t think there is a single mock now that has Cook gone by the time the Bucs are on the clock. Granted, they are only mock drafts, but when all of them have him either going to the Bucs or later, they usually are proven out in the end. It is looking more and more as though the Bucs will be able to take him at 19 if they want him.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:45 am
TDTB thats not true, Charlie Casserly and Bleacher Report both have him going to the panthers. Thats just 2 off the top of my head. But you already said it, they are just mocks.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:47 am
Mcaff is not gonna be an every down RB in the NFL! He’s simply not built for it!!
April 7th, 2017 at 10:49 am
And as far as 4th rounders not having as much upside as a first rounder, idk dude, Jay Ajayi and Jordan Howard look pretty friggin dominant last season. And they didnt have the luxury of running behind the great wall of Dallas.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:49 am
Joe mixon I would take second round raw kid with a great upside and we’re here to win games and compete for a Superbowl not judge and overlooked a young potential superstar because of one bad bone head decision
April 7th, 2017 at 10:53 am
Blake, the overwhelming majority of mocks have him available at 19. Things can always change but as of now it is looking more and more likely that Cook may be an option on draft day.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:53 am
Martin will not be a Buc this year. Makes no sense to keep him when all he does is collect checks. We will draft a RB but I don’t think it will be in the 1st. Fournette and McCaffrey will be gone before we pick. And Cook has injury and character issues that are forcing him to drop. We will take a DE, Safety, or WR over him imo. Not saying it’s right but that’s what I think will happen.
If fournette goes before Carolina picks at #8 then McCaffrey won’t make it past 11 at worst. Very easily could go #8 which I would hate! That leaves Cook. He either goes around 14-17ish or drops til 25ish.
April 7th, 2017 at 10:57 am
I think ira hit the nail on the head…no need to get a rb in the first round….this draft is too deep….and I do think if cook is there at #19, the bucs pass on him…I think the bucs go defense first round…I think they trade down just like last year collect an extra pick and draft defense….GO BUCS!!!!
April 7th, 2017 at 11:00 am
As of today all the talk is about McCaffrey moving up the draft and Cook falling. And football is so much different than it was 20 years ago. Teams don’t waste a 1st round pick on a guy who may give you 5 years. You use those picks on a potential 10 year guy. RBs are a dime a dozen in today’s passing league and committee backfields. I would take a stud DE, S, or WR over a RB in the 1st and do what 98% of the teams do and pick a midround RB.
Plus the most talented back in this draft is Mixon and we can get him in the 2nd or 3rd. Or one of about 7 or 8 other really good backs in this draft.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:02 am
I think even The Bucs dont know who is the 19 pick. Jason L. goes with the highest rated player on their board, that fits a team need, and believes in their scouting system. He went out of the box last year, and drafted a kicker in 2nd round, so he wont gamble as much this year. The safest pick is a RB,SS, or CB, that can play as a returner.(McCaffrey, Peppers, and A. Jackson). I just hope they don’t pick a TE that high at 19. There are so much talent in the draft in the later rounds.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:04 am
813 I agree. There is a great chance we trade down a few spots and pick up more picks in this loaded draft. The Bucs website had a great article about the amount of trades Licht has made. This will be one more I think. I want us to pick up a 3rd or 4th and take Watt. Talk about scary!! Either way (even with how much I love McCaffrey), we are not drafting a RB in the 1st.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:15 am
“You use those picks on a potential 10 year guy. RBs are a dime a dozen in today’s passing league and committee backfields.”….
^^COMPLETELY AGREE…..GO BUCS!!!!
April 7th, 2017 at 11:15 am
Rams and chargers suck #1. If these RBs ended up on good teams the conversation would quite different. But I like how they are attempting to hide McCaffery by calling a offensive weapon. Nice little political job going on with that young man.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:17 am
Same Ira said there is pressure to draft Dalvin and that this would explode if they drafted him. 😉I understand Ira.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:26 am
I don’t care what the trends or mocks are saying. GMs base 80-90% of their evaluations on game tape. Dalvin Cook’s tape the last 3 years at FSU shows he is one of the best RB prospects to come out since AP 10 years ago. A dynamic game breaker. A TD maker. He can score at any time from anywhere on the field. 38 rushing TDs in the last 2 years alone. 38!!! Cook is also the only legit 3 down NFL running back of the 3 highest touted backs (Fournette and McCaffrey). His vision is great. His cuts and moves in the open field are electric. His speed is more than obvious (4.49 40 my ass – more like 4.39). His balance through contact is amazing and his ability to get the edge and down the sideline is the best I’ve seen from a RB prospect in a long long time. Cook also catches the ball and makes plays as a receiver either out of the backfield or running routes downfield as well or better than any other back in the draft. And he’s shown he can block and is fairly adept at helping provide QB protection when needed as well.
If Cook is there at 19 – I will be absolutely shocked – and very happy because I’m 99% sure that the Bucs will not pass on him.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:29 am
Can you read full sentences Nos? O’brien Called him an everydown back, right before saying that he’s an all around weapon.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:31 am
Pressure from fans. There was pressure from fans to draft Johnny 8ball in 2014 too…
April 7th, 2017 at 11:42 am
I clearly can cause answer to the dumbness you type everyday. Does o brien speak for every HC and GM in the nfl??? No. They saying “offensive weapon” which sounds like to me his role isn’t truly defined by nfl personal.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:43 am
Pressure to draft johhny??? Really??? Did you see the reaction of one Buc place when the Comish announced Jameis name.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:46 am
Riddle me this tho. Is 2017 the last draft of the nfl??? If its not then why would breaking this unwritten rule of not drafting an RB in the first be so devastating??? A rule my HC and GM don’t seem to give a s@$! about. Funny thing at least three RBs see projected to go in the first. Head scratcher I tell you.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:48 am
And let me ask you can you read. The article quoted Bill Polian re read what he said about him dude👆. Can be find above.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:48 am
There’s always RB’s graded out as 1st round talent, and many times they have great careers, that’s not the issue. The question is how many of those 1st round RB’s led their teams to continued success year after year? How many of them won playoff games? How many of them won championships with the teams that drafted them?
The question isn’t whether Fournette, Cook, or McCaffrey will be good, the question is do they set you up for consistent success for the future? Consider the life span of an NFL running back, consider how many of them get 2nd contracts with the teams that draft them, consider the fact that they are a burn up position that gets used/abused/thrown on the scrap heap when you are done with them.
This isn’t a knock on 1st round caliber RB’s, it’s the fact that 1st round caliber running backs value these days gets pushed down to the 2nd or 3rd round. The smart NFL teams know this and let them slide, the perennial top 10 picking teams refuse to acknowledge that some years.
WAKE UP.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:52 am
Pffft the only coach in this article quoted about McCaffrey was Bill O’briain.
Johnny Manziel was drafted in 2014, Jameis in 2015, ya dingus.
And the distaste about Rb’s in the first is all about shelf life. The one and only reason that so many will go so high this year is because its a copycat league. And people are gonna try to find their Zeke.
April 7th, 2017 at 11:56 am
“Where do you get the best value on a running back — when he’s coming out of college,” says Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian. “You don’t get value for him as a free agent, or very few, because the bottom line is he doesn’t have much tread left on his tires, especially if he’s played a lot. The best time to get a running back is in the draft.”
“Here’s the real scoop — running backs have short careers,” Polian says. “They burn out very quickly and in today’s game you really need two of them.”
Uhhh no he didnt. Mayock talked about him being a matchup nightmare/ chess piece, which he absolutely is, but Mayock isn’t a coach.
April 7th, 2017 at 12:00 pm
Your argument takes so many different turns. Here’s a question for you. Are they’re any teams playing without a RB??? Last I Check we’ve team has a few. No one is concerning themselves with shelf life when they call run plays. They are looking for production when said plays are sent in.
April 7th, 2017 at 12:00 pm
No Emmitt Smith, Marshall Faulk, Terrell Davis and Beast Mode were not important to pieces to their Super Bowl teams. You’re right they could have won with any old back. Said no one ever!
April 7th, 2017 at 12:01 pm
Reggie Bush was suppose to be a matchup problem as well. That kid not better than Reggie Bush and his game was subdued in the nfl.
April 7th, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Ok, what? Of course every team has a running back, running the ball is part of the game. But very few invest 1st round picks in one.
Thats why only 2 of the top Rb’s from last year were first rounders.
April 7th, 2017 at 12:08 pm
Ok, he broke Barry sanders record for all purpose yards, ran for 2k in one season, but he’s not better than Reggie Bush…
Dingus.
April 7th, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Nole
Bush didn’t run inside. He bounced everything outside which is a huge reason why he didn’t have a successful career. McCaffrey can run inside, outside, catch, return kicks. He is a matchup nightmare and is the same size as Cook just more athletic. Cook may be there at 19 but I don’t think he will be our pick. Only way that happens is if Mike Williams, Corey Davis, Howard, Obi, Bennett, or Watt are all off the board. Not likely my friend
April 7th, 2017 at 12:25 pm
We can take a RB in the 3rd or 4th and get similar production. Also, would cost less and not a 5 year contract. In today’s football it doesn’t make sense to draft a RB in the 1st. The only reason people are having this discussion is because of Zeke. Melvin Gordon was terrible his 1st couple of years and Gurley is still up for debate. Kid needs to be more consistent but the talent is there. We clearly need a good RB but they are available in later rounds.
And Smith, Faulk, Davis played in a different league than today’s.
Lastly, there was only 1 RB drafted in the 1st round last year. No clue what you are talking about
April 7th, 2017 at 12:36 pm
This tells you all you need to know. The top 10 RBs last year in no particular order are as follows.
Le’veon Bell- 2nd round
David Johnson- 3rd
Detonate Freeman- 4th
Jordan Howard- 5th
Jay Ajayi- 5th
Demarco Murray- 3rd
Lamar Miller- 4th
Blount- underrated
McCoy- 2nd
Zeke- 1st
Only 1 RB was a first round pick. Clearly the GMs in tho league know something you people don’t. You don’t need a 1st round back to be good.
April 7th, 2017 at 12:45 pm
2.9 yards per carry
Those are the numbers everyone needs to know.
Those are the yards per carry for our top two running backs from last year.
Is it possible to get a back that is fantastic in the 3rd or 4th round? Yes, but I would rather take my chances of getting one of the top three backs in the draft in the 1st round so we can go into the year knowing we most likely have an elite skilled running back rather than hoping a mid round back will develop.
Right now our starter would be a guy that did not even make an opening day roster last year.
April 7th, 2017 at 12:58 pm
No, Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber both averaged over 4 yards a carry Wausa. And with How deep this class is at Running back, you can get a day 1 starter in the 2nd or 3rd round easily.
April 7th, 2017 at 1:03 pm
And those two teams felt they needed them and pulled the trigger. There is no science to this draft thing. If you think he will help your team win you draft him simple and plain.
April 7th, 2017 at 1:05 pm
Munky so explain to me why exactly many believe at least three will go in the first this time around???
April 7th, 2017 at 1:23 pm
@ndog
Marshall Faulk won with his 2nd team, Terrell Davis was undrafted, Beast Mode won with his 2nd team that traded a 3rd round pick for him. Emmitt Smith was drafted in the 1st round in 1990, might as well be on another planet as far as how the game is played today.
Not sure what point you’re trying to make? Yes, teams do need running back(s), I’m struggling to figure out what side you’re going with on this issue, because you made an excellent argument for those of us against using a 1st round pick.
April 7th, 2017 at 1:31 pm
The point is if you get great players and they help you win, so get who you think is great and the heck with when or where you got them. 1st, 2nd, 8th round I don’t care if you believe he is going to be great get him!
April 7th, 2017 at 1:32 pm
@Nole
I’ll answer your question that you directed at munky. THEY ARE MOCK DRAFTS. Every year they expect teams to take RBs and QBs early, and every year they are wrong. RBs are more fun to talk about than offensive linemen, but offensive linemen make the running back.
Deep down you have to understand the logic against wasting a 1st round pick on a running back. All of the statistics that can be examined are against such a move.
The only reason I won’t predict that they will all fall is that there are stupid GMs out there that misjudge their own roster and think a RB will pull them out of the NFL basement. So they draft them, let them burn themselves out for four years and don’t pick up their 5th year option, and then either fk up and give them a 2nd contract hoping to justify the 1st round pick or watch them walk in free agency.
Either way, realistically, they should all fall in this draft.
April 7th, 2017 at 1:34 pm
Positional value still applies, ndog.
April 7th, 2017 at 1:35 pm
Blake-Bucsfan
Peyton Barber was our 4th string running back that did not make the opening day roster and had 55 caries for the entire season, but yes he did average 4.1 yards per carry.
Jacquizz Rodgers did not make any teams opening day roster last year, but he did play well for us and averaged 4.3 yards per carry, but he is not an every down back, which was proven out during the season as he was injured.
I like Jacquizz, but he should be a teams 3rd team back that helps out on special teams, gets a few carries per game and can help out some on 3rd down.
Our starter last year was Doug Martin. He’s an injury prone admitted drug addict.
His backup was Charles Sims. He’s an injury prone player that is a very good receiver out of the backfield but is awful as a runner.
BOTH OUR FIRST AND SECOND TEAM RUNNING BACKS AVERAGED 2.9 YARDS PER CARRY.
April 7th, 2017 at 1:35 pm
Our kicker last year proves that.
April 7th, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Doesn’t matter where they were on the depth chart. Quizz was our #1 back last season. And Peyton got more attempts than Sims.
With the addition of Mixon or Foreman or Hunt or Perine, we would be set at Rb next season.
April 7th, 2017 at 1:59 pm
If you feel he will help your team win you draft him simple and plain. I give a s@$! about the when’s.
April 7th, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Doug Martin had the most attempts last year of any running back
And was the Bucs starter
Sims was his backup
I’m not sure why this is being debated.
It’s probably 50/50 Barber is on an NFL roster to start this season and Rodgers is a good third team back but really nothing more.
You can paint it however you want but as a whole we have one if not the worst group of running backs in the NFL
April 7th, 2017 at 2:42 pm
Doug did indeed have the most attempts. But Quizz had the most yards.
All I’m saying is, our 2 most productive backs were our top 2 backs.
April 7th, 2017 at 2:56 pm
For those confused, let me use this example to clarify my perspective.
Austin poopy-jenkins started the season #1 on the depth chart, but he was not our top Tight end. Capiche?
April 7th, 2017 at 3:59 pm
WRONG!
Cook or McCaffrey if either one is there.
I suspect one of them will be. This draft could is so unpredictable.
Especially this far down. We might be drafting even further down next season, so they have to get this one right.
Do wtf-ever you want ever after the 1st rnd, if Cook or Mac are there. You better take him. You better take one of them.
April 7th, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Okay glasses on now. dayum.
April 7th, 2017 at 4:08 pm
I will cry if one of them is on the board at 19 and they pass.
We can’t have a grown man crying now can we?
Okay I should have never read this article, thanks Ira. I guess.
April 7th, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Thank you Buc1987
Our running backs are awful. I have faith our GM has the wisdom to get Cook or McCaffrey if either of them are available.
I have a big concern that all three of the top running backs will not be there when we pick though.
April 7th, 2017 at 4:41 pm
“I have a big concern that all three of the top running backs will not be there when we pick though.”
Definitely a possibility. Probably a 50/50 chance or better they will all 3 be gone. And rightfully so. These 3 backs are all excellent prospects and easily worthy of mid to high 1st round grades. Cream of the Crop in the best running back draft in a long long time.
We need a dynamic RB to make this offense click on all cylinders. If any of the 3 is sitting there at 19 and we pass – it will be a mistake.
April 7th, 2017 at 4:43 pm
Praise Jesus for the voice of reason around here. Draft O-line and any running back with and ounce of talent can get the job done
April 7th, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Jeremy..name an o-lineman that’s worthy of the 19th pick.
April 7th, 2017 at 5:19 pm
Garrett Bolles. Forrest Lamp. Ramcyzk too but don’t think he’ll be there.
April 7th, 2017 at 5:59 pm
Of neeed Blake. Of neeed. Or are you a plug and play any lineman wherever type of dude. I’m not.
April 7th, 2017 at 6:04 pm
Fournette and McCAffrey will be gone. Cook could still be there but I would take Mike Williams, Corey Davis, TJ Watt, Derek Barnett, or Obi over him. There are around 10 good RBs easily in this draft. No need to spend a 1st round pick on one imo. I would take McCaffrey if he were somehow still available but that’s highly unlikely. And that’s only because of his versatility.
April 7th, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Not necessarily, but we still need a RT, and I think all 3 of those guys could play the position. Dotson simply cannot be relied upon. It’s a virtual guarantee that he will get injured at some point. Unless Pamph switches to RT, in which case we would need a LG. And I think that Lamp could play either position at a high level.
But that’s just like, my opinion, man.
April 7th, 2017 at 6:16 pm
I have such a love/hate relationship with the NFL draft.
April 7th, 2017 at 6:23 pm
Bucs 1987 I’m not a scout. I love YouTube highlights as much as the next guy. My point is that all of the best teams in this league go line year in and out. And even though the “experts” say that there are no highly graded o line prospects, I think we may have our pick of the litter at 19. I think we need another tackle and I am sure that licht can find a starter in the bunch that will someday be a pro-bowler. How good is Andrew luck when he is running for his life? We need deep depth and a flashy RB in the 1st round is not that
April 8th, 2017 at 8:50 am
Jeremy…I personally think that o-line is thee most important part of a football team. So much that goes on starts on the o-line. If the value and need is there at 19 then sure pull the trigger. Not seeing any studs though. I was told next draft there’s lot’s of o-line.
He’d have to be a stud o-lineman at 19 in order to pass up on Dalvin or McCaffrey. Yes I’m well aware of what a good o-line can do. I saw the Dallas game last year too. lol
April 8th, 2017 at 11:55 am
Man many of you will be disappointed with this years draft pick, which will be either OL or DL. I still think it will be OL but depends on the value available once the draft board is more established.
Go look at what the best teams are doing at RB…not a first round RB amongst the playoff teams. Go look at the Patriots method at RB, don’t pay much and let them walk if they want (Blount etc) because its about the system and not the player. This is what the Bucs are trying to emulate look no further than Licht ties to the NE regime.
Here is another heartbreaker….NFL teams don’t care what the fans say or want when it comes to draft player selection. It has no bearing on the decision. This included the selection of Winston.