Remaining Running Backs On The Radar
April 27th, 2018
Next Buc?
There was no “run” on running backs in the first round of last night’s NFL Draft.
Plenty are on the board for your Buccaneers, who could use a baller to complement/compete with Peyton Barber.
Saquon Barkley (Giants), Rashad Penny (Seahawks) and Sony Michel (Patriots) are gone.
And here’s the draft order at the top of the Friday night’s Round 2.
Browns
Giants
Browns
Colts
Colts
Bucs
It’s a bizarre lineup with Cleveland and Indianapolis having multiple picks. The Browns are set at running back. The Giants are, too. The Colts need one.
And the Bucs also own the 21st and 24th overall picks of Round 2, courtesy of their trade with the Bills last night.
Joe has no doubt that a running back is coming tonight, but who, how and where?
Here are five stud backs available:
Ronald Jones, II, Southern California
Nick Chubb, Georgia
Derrius Guice, LSU
Royce Freeman, Oregon
Kerryon Johnson, Auburn
The Bucs certainly have the ammo to trade up and get, for example, the Browns’ No. 3 pick in this round.
The chatter about Guice having character/personality issues apparently was real. And Joe expects Jason Licht to steer clear of him. Poor Guice and family were at the draft last night in Dallas and he walked out without a team.
Chubb seems like the ideal Dirk Koetter guy in his offense, a downhill banger to run behind Ryan Jensen, Ali Marpet and friends. Jones is a super talent with a load of experience catching out of the backfield, a game-breaker who would be a true change of pace from Peyton Barber. And Joe is a big fan of Johnson, who had a hell of a year last year and once backed up Barber at Auburn.
Johnson cranked out 1,391 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground with just 285 carries last season, and he’s known as a tough-guy battler and pass blocker. Chubb also brings an attitude.
Joe would put a few nickels on one of those two wearing pewter and red tomorrow night.
Licht wants tough guys.
April 27th, 2018 at 1:19 am
Nyheim Hines!!!! Killer speed, would solidify our kick return game, and can be used in the slot. He’s probably the most versatile RB left after Barkley and Michel. Use the first 2nd rounder on a DB or OG (Hernandez).
April 27th, 2018 at 1:33 am
I need to google Guice’s off field issues..I didn’t think they were any that were serious enough for him not to get picked by now..
But I do like Chubb though…
April 27th, 2018 at 1:33 am
Call me crazy, but since I’d be happy with any of those guys and I think at least one will fall to 53, I’d take a DB or an OL at 38. I have my eyes on Ronnie Harrison and Will Hernandez.
April 27th, 2018 at 1:38 am
Chubb or Jones II for me…..Big Will is probably gone…too bad 🙁
and if so, just go ahead and get the steal of the draft with Chubb in the 2nd if still there, then work on the DB’s and RT.
BTW, I DO like Hines! I dont get your “no” on Jones lambchop, but is what it is.
April 27th, 2018 at 1:40 am
@Life, you probably wont be able to google it…its inside and coming from trusted sources. I hate it too. But hey, maybe he’ll get a chance with the right team taking him and be humble about it…maybe in the 3rd.
April 27th, 2018 at 1:43 am
Big Hernandez, Jackson or Oliver with our 1st pick. The RBs will be there for our other picks.
April 27th, 2018 at 1:49 am
Clicking around, Safety Jessie Bates may be going in the 2nd….Man, if we could just get Hernandez or Landry….then Chubb or Bates…..might have to use a trade up….that leaves a 5th for cb Nick Nelson (probably gone) or RT Desmond Harrison.
April 27th, 2018 at 1:53 am
Hines is to small. I would go with Ronald Jones or Chubb if Jones isn’t available
April 27th, 2018 at 1:54 am
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I expect the Browns and Colts to both take a RB ahead of us … probably Guice and then Jones II, so if we want Chubb we’ll have to spend #38 on him.
However, Will Hernandez might be the better pick for us at this point …
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April 27th, 2018 at 1:59 am
What are the chances we get Hernandez with our first pick in the 2nd and rub with the 2nd pick in the second? Then db
April 27th, 2018 at 2:00 am
Josh Jackson
April 27th, 2018 at 2:02 am
Bucs need to take Guice if here’s there when they pick next…
http://gridironnow.com/in-defense-of-derrius-guice-against-media-slander
April 27th, 2018 at 2:02 am
Hines may be small but dynamite comes in small packages. We need explosiveness n fireworks at rb, slot, n kr. He’s another sproles.
April 27th, 2018 at 2:10 am
I think we stay at 6 and take either Chubb or the CB Jackson, if they are still there.
Licht killed the 1st round and hopefully he keeps all 3 2nd round picks and we come out of the round with a RB, DB, OL.
Vita is going to be a beast as will our entire d line now. You build from the trenches out and our GM has excelled at it this time. We have a chance to come away with 4 star players in just the 1st 2 rounds…maybe dreams do come true!!!
Go Bucs!!!!
April 27th, 2018 at 2:24 am
Shaq Griffin in the 2nd or go home.
April 27th, 2018 at 2:39 am
Warrick Dunn was small. Nyheim Hines is explosive and he’ll be fine. If anything he will put on some more muscle. I don’t think he’d be where he is if his size was a huge problem. I think Barber and Hines would be thunder and lightning.
April 27th, 2018 at 2:50 am
Get Will Hernandez first, then follow up with best RB available. Best CB next. Wow – What a draft that would be! Remember, we still have two 4th rounders yet to pick. Maybe we will see more of Licht’s genius on display. Wouldn’t mind seeing us get that 1 handed LB out of UCF for special teams. His numbers are off the charts.
April 27th, 2018 at 2:52 am
Plenty of quality guards available later, unless Hernandez is at 38, take the best safety, cornerback and RB available with the 2nds, this draft is loaded at all 4 positions we need, but elite runs out quick, my 3 picks, 38 S Justin Reid, 53 RB Derrius Guice (hoping his off field issues push him down, on the field he’s a beast), 56 best corner remaining, the worst thing Licht can do is get cute and trade up giving up a 2nd, then draft best OL in 4th, don’t screw this up
April 27th, 2018 at 2:54 am
Only 1 4th, no 3rd, a 5, two 6s, and a 7
April 27th, 2018 at 2:54 am
LOL after all this the Bucs are gonna mess around and could end up getting RB1 at #38. Cant believe Guice is still available!
April 27th, 2018 at 3:22 am
RJ2 is a good player, but he’s not a workhorse back. I think they’re looking for an every-down type of player, and Rj2 just isn’t physical enough. The rest of them are in line with what we probably need. Question is whether we want the RB or one of the CBs… We must get a CB capable of starting immediately. At least at RB, we’ve got Barber, and RB by committee is still an option. And Harold Landry is still around, and so is Will Hernandez. Another interesting pick.
April 27th, 2018 at 4:06 am
Keep building the trenches first. Would absolutely love OG Will Hernandez at #38, then RB & CB (or vice-versa) with our #53 & #56. There are also several real nice Safety prospects still available, and the possibility of packaging several of our 4th Rnd & lower picks to move up into the 2nd Rnd to grab one is intriguing. Bucs have an excellent chance to remake our defense AND offense by the end of tonight.
April 27th, 2018 at 4:32 am
@NFL realist.
good article on Guice
April 27th, 2018 at 5:08 am
Man please get CB J. Jackson Iowa. Favortie corner in the draft. He would thrive in this scheme. Get him first.
Then go after Guice/Chubb/Jones. I don’t think Hernandez will be there.
April 27th, 2018 at 5:36 am
Let’s get a guy who run between the tackles for pete’s sake. And absolutely don’t get a guy who needs rehab or had any cloud over his head in college. Don’t get a guy who got issues with injuries. Trade up to get a RB if yoiu need to, but don’t waste it.
April 27th, 2018 at 5:55 am
Hernandez, please. You know: FIX THE TRENCHES
April 27th, 2018 at 6:01 am
What?! No John Kelly, Joe? Kelly is Guice light. Id also be happy with Mark Walton. I would take Isaiah Oliver early second as he may be the best corner in this draft. First round talent with great size, technique, quickness, and the longest arms of any corner the last thirty years or so!!!!!
April 27th, 2018 at 6:08 am
Honestly, as much as I LOVE Derrius Guice, I think the smart thing to do is to take a OG, CB, and Safety with our three 2nd round picks.
Then for RB they can wait until the early 4th or trade up into the 3rd round for one. Kelly and Walton could be excellent value picks.
April 27th, 2018 at 6:23 am
Thinking Licht might not be done trading down, I would be happy if he picked up a couple of thirds for one of our Bills second round picks. More good players becoming Buccaneers tonight. Bring it on
April 27th, 2018 at 6:24 am
I’m still so shocked that Seattle picked Penny. I think he can definitely be the 2nd best back in this class. Just didn’t expect other teams to think that lol.
April 27th, 2018 at 6:43 am
I would love us to draft next
Hernandez
Griffin
Kerryon
With the 2d ed picks
April 27th, 2018 at 6:49 am
John Kelly has kareem hunt comparisons on playerprofile. The guy played in a horrible offense vs good defenses who could key on the road so toss out his stats.kelly has great burst and half his yards came after being contacted within two yards which is highly impressive. He also took snaps away from alvin kamara and is a great receiving back… https://www.thehateful8ff.com/single-post/2018/04/19/John-Kelly-Who-is-a-Fair-Comparison
April 27th, 2018 at 6:49 am
Key on the run, rather
April 27th, 2018 at 6:59 am
I believe we received the Giants fourth round pick for the JPP trade…;). So, 3 2nds and 2 4ths.
April 27th, 2018 at 7:04 am
No, they flipped 4th’s with the Giants
April 27th, 2018 at 7:05 am
I hope we get Chubb.
April 27th, 2018 at 7:09 am
I keep seeing everyone mocking Hernandez but me thinks they would be better served selecting a RT prospect considering Dotson’s age and potential knee issues.
April 27th, 2018 at 7:11 am
This draft looks so much better after getting those 2 2nd round picks…..WOW….
I almost really didn’t care who we picked in the first…..we got the best DT in the draft, so nothing wrong with that.
I think you could flip a coin on some of these RBs…..I would take Hernandez first, then the best CB then RB third….(whoever is left)
April 27th, 2018 at 7:25 am
Call CJ Anderson and offer him a contract. Grab Josh Jackson and the 2 best OLinemen on the board in Round 2!
April 27th, 2018 at 7:30 am
2nd Round Picks
RB Ronald Jones
CB Donte Jackson
OG Braden Smith
Sign SS Eric Reid it’s time he gets a job!!!
April 27th, 2018 at 7:30 am
Kinda agree on the OT Jamarco Jones from Ohio State looks promising
April 27th, 2018 at 7:39 am
Ukinator is right. Hernandez at G if available at 38. Followed by best RB and CB. Maybe move up 5 or 6 picks by adding in 5th rd pick to get the RB you want.
Stay away from USC RB Ronald Jones. He did nothing in their biggest games – ND, OSU, TX.
April 27th, 2018 at 7:41 am
Keep every pick and get the RB that falls to us.
April 27th, 2018 at 7:53 am
The second round picks should be used to fix the offensive line. Make the trenches great again!
April 27th, 2018 at 8:00 am
Hernandez, Justin Reid or Isiah Oliver with 38, praying Guice falls to 53, maybe trade up a little to get him only a 5th or swap our 4th for a later 4th, regardless need a safety, RB or cornerback, plenty of guard depth available later, although Hernandez is too good to pass up
April 27th, 2018 at 8:15 am
Guice or jones I want some speed chubs knee scared me honestly
April 27th, 2018 at 9:01 am
There is a kid from a small college (Hobart maybe?)that plays right tackle you may want to keep an eye on!I think Chubb would fit in nice but Ronald Jones and the kid from auburn are also good players.the dark horse of the group is Royce Freeman.we have to get a defensive back and soon!expect Will Hernandez to come off the board early as well as Landry. This is so exciting,3 second round picks!don’t trade the picks,build this team with these picks!make it happen jason!
April 27th, 2018 at 9:16 am
man, pick guice!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t see how character issues didn’t effect baker mayfield or josh allen but somehow they’re effecting guice……that’s BS…..the kid aint get arrested or saying anything to embarrasses himself or his family……
pick guice tonight and bo scarbrough Saturday!!!!!…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 27th, 2018 at 10:58 am
Uhhh…completely wrong about Jones pass catching chops. He had 32 career receptions in three years and it is not a strength to his game at all.
April 27th, 2018 at 10:59 am
we need Jackson
April 27th, 2018 at 11:04 am
Need Will Hernandez first the running back
April 27th, 2018 at 11:08 am
I think best case scenario is we leave 2nd round with a RB, OG, DB .
I think smart move is to use some of our end of draft picks from 6th and 7th rounds to move up in the 2nd.
I would move up a few spots from 38 to get Hernandez. With that we would have massively overhauled the trenches this off season. This in my opinion has been our failing past few years. Yes Doug underperformed in 16 and 17 but there weren’t many holes to run through and Jameis always seemed to be scrambling because he didn’t have time in the pocket. Finally caught up to him and he got injured last year. As bad as our secondary looked The cleanest Jersey after a bucs game was the opposing QB. No pressure means time to find an open man. Vea will collapse the interior. McCoy will be free of double teams and be the penetrator. JPP and Curry will feast out side. Opposing teams won’t be able to run which also frees up our LB corps to be more aggressive with blitzes etc.
I think after Hernandez we address corner wuth either Oliver or Jackson. To do so we give our 5th rounder to move up from 50s to late 30s.
We Now we have helped the back end. Vaccaro Biston and Reid are still out there at safety and can play SS so I feel less need to fill that spot in the draft. With Hernandez drafted we can cut Sweezy free up millions in cap space to sign a safety.
Third pick in 2md round should be either shaquem Griffin if we stay put or if we trade our 7th, move up a bit in 2nd and Grab remaining Rb from Rojo, Chubb as Guice will be gone I’m sure. If we stick with Griffin, then we can use our early 4th and that 7th or our other 6th to move into 3rd and go for Kerryon Johnson, Walton, or Another good complementary Rb.
That would have us leave the draft with 4 premium starters and fill positions of need at every spot.
April 27th, 2018 at 11:26 am
I was surprised Penny went so high, personally. The “off field” issues with Guice are B.S. He’s cocky, so some don’t like him. If I’m Licht, I WANT that guy. Give me some “edge”, give me Guice.
In order of preference:
Guice
Chubb
Johnson
Jones
Freeman
Please and thank you!
April 27th, 2018 at 11:31 am
I wanted Michel….
Now, i just want a RB that won’t get caught from behind if he makes it to the 3rd level.
April 27th, 2018 at 11:50 am
Alright, i did a lot of research on Guice! I always take it serious what some of the big names say about people when its negative. Theres guys out there digging on prospects like you wouldnt believe…paid big money to do so.
So on that, Im liking this kid Guice! Im on board. Yeah, he grew up hard, father killed at 5 (mine was killed when i was 1). Growing up around bad people and bad neighborhoods doesnt mean you’re bad too. His Dad seemed to be a loving Father. Looks like he had a great Mother too! Kids environments cant be blamed on the kids, they have no choice, they’re kids!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B_kU6GfgFU
Yeah, get Guice Mr Licht!
April 27th, 2018 at 11:51 am
And yeah, big props to NFLRealist for posting that link above.
April 27th, 2018 at 12:19 pm
NFLRealist, MadMax- Thanks for the links, good stuff.
Get the “angry runner”!
April 27th, 2018 at 12:52 pm
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Here’s another little article about DERRIUS GUICE
https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/lsu/2018/04/26/lsus-derrius-guice-should-first-round-draft-choicesays-he-asked-inappropriate-questions-nfl-people-b/555584002/
Personally I’d love to see us get Will Hernandez at #38, Derrius Guice at #53 and Joshua Jackson at #56 but I think we could miss out on all three of those guys.
I expect the Giants to take Will Hernandez and either the Brown or Colts to perhaps take Guice and for Joshua Jackson to come off the board quickly in the 2nd round as well.
However, we have tons of options:
Nick Chubb + Austin Corbett + Carlton Davis is a very realistic trio and one that would fit all our needs at RB, OG and CB as well.
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April 27th, 2018 at 2:58 pm
Too many injury issues with Johnson for my liking.
April 27th, 2018 at 3:23 pm
unbelievable- Lot of wear on that kid for sure. Still, instant upgrade IMO.
April 27th, 2018 at 4:43 pm
Ito Smith and Roc Thomas will both be still available in the 6th. Better upside too.
Get Hernandez, a corner, and then Shaq Griffin
April 27th, 2018 at 6:15 pm
Another site recommended Vita Vea as the first pick and Licht must have read it and looked into it. Licht also realized we needed to draft down to get the number of picks we needed to fill all our needs this draft, and he pulled that off and still got Vita Vea! My only criticism of Licht is he should have insisted on both first round picks from Buffalo along with their second pick, which would have allowed him to get Penny instead of Seattle. Then he could have gotten Hernandez with our second pick and then the best DB with Buffalo’s 2d pick, and we would have been in high cotton then. I am sure some FSU fans are grousing today because he could have taken James, but we have a great DL Coach to develop Vita Vea into a Hall of Fame player and the future replacement for McCoy when he retires. Our second string DL is very talented too so we will be able to platoon our DL like Philly did in the Super Bowl and stop all runs and harass opposing QBs so we don’t have to have great Safeties or DBs. Hopefully Licht will grab Guise or Chubb with our second pick. Move up if someone takes the first of those two in the second and get the other one. We can always get a decent Guard with the second pick like Auburn’s Guard who opened holes in the Alabama’s OL to whip Bama this year and get the best CB available with the other second pick. With the fourth pick take either Miami’s DE or any higher rated DE and we’ll be just fine. Licht at last has been scared into abandoning his usual BPA picking irrespective of need which has kept us in the cellar. Going the other way taking Best Player we Need just this draft we can be competitive again.