Trading Down For Travis Etienne?
April 17th, 2021
More and more consensus is building that Clemson stud senior running back Travis Etienne, a guy Joe is very fond of, will be a second-round pick in two short weeks.
Joe sees the mock drafts and also was intrigued to hear longtime NFL running backs coach Kyle Caskey break down running backs in the draft this week on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Caskey, strictly evaluating talent and not peddling in mock drafts, said he’s evaluating just one first-round running back on film. And that’s Najee Harris out of Alabama.
As for Etienne, Caskey sees him as a notch behind Javonte Williams out of North Carolina. He rates both as second-round picks and, most interestingly, he compared Etienne to Lions running back D’Andre Swift.
Caskey was Swift’s coach last season, his rookie year. Fantasy football players know Swift well; he racked up 10 touchdowns (8 rushing, 2 receiving) and averaged 4.6 yards per carry with 46 catches. (Caskey also was the longtime coach of new Bucs running back Giovani Bernard.)
Smith was the third pick of Round 2 last year. Man, Joe would love Etienne as an inexpensive second-round pick after a trade down out of No. 32 overall.
It’s a safe bet that either Ronald Jones or Leonard Fournette will have a new address in 2020. And it’s an even safer bet that depth at running back is critical for — and to — Tom Brady.
Etienne had nearly double the college workload of his ACC brother Williams, who was more explosive last season. College mileage is always a consideration, but Etienne has the proven versatility the Bucs likely are seeking — if they’re seeking a running back at all.
And before someone starts barking about the Bucs having five running backs, it’s not unheard of. And with a 17-game season that easily could turn into a 21-game season, Joe’s not scoffing at drafting a versatile and talented running back.
April 17th, 2021 at 9:09 pm
We got Bernard. Let’s put this early RB to sleep Joe 🥱
April 17th, 2021 at 9:12 pm
That’s interesting. It would be like beating the Chiefs again. We get the RB and an extra pick.
April 17th, 2021 at 9:18 pm
Running Backs should not go into the first round. Unless he is Walter Payton, Earl Campbell, Barry Sanders, Emmet Smith. In today game, keeping the QB upright is the most important thing.
April 17th, 2021 at 9:18 pm
I don’t know what kind of voodoo magic it takes to make that dream a reality, but I’m in full support
April 17th, 2021 at 9:18 pm
Joe we have three young, early round RB already. Bernard has obviously been brought in to play the pass catching back. And…WE DONT RUN THE BALL!!!
April 17th, 2021 at 9:20 pm
Licht is 2nd round shaman.
He doesn’t even need a 1st round pick to find greatness!!
RayJay = The Licht House!
Sad days for the forest gump crowd…
April 17th, 2021 at 9:26 pm
He would fit the need for a explosive player, we have a lot of excellent pass catchers and running backs. Seeing the way the trend is going explosive player or players is the area on offense that must step up. There are several scenarios I would be happy with.
April 17th, 2021 at 9:27 pm
Assuming you are referring to RoJo, Playoff Lenny and Vaughn. RoJo and Playofff Lenny are in the final year of their contracts. Same with Gio. Thus far Vaughn hasn’t proved a thing unless you consider one play (a TD catch) rock solid proof he is a No. 1 back.
April 17th, 2021 at 9:44 pm
Wow Joe you are in love with this guy. I get it, I’m in love with Kyle Trask
April 17th, 2021 at 9:50 pm
A good running back keeps qbs upright too.
April 17th, 2021 at 10:01 pm
Joe
“Assuming you are referring to RoJo, Playoff Lenny and Vaughn. RoJo and Playofff Lenny are in the final year of their contracts. Same with Gio. Thus far Vaughn hasn’t proved a thing unless you consider one play (a TD catch) rock solid proof he is a No. 1 back.”
No doubt Joe. You wanna pull out the list of players coming up in contract year I can name you a more important position than bringing in a fifth RB to this team that runs the ball 30% of the time. Literally the deepest position on this team right NOW.
April 17th, 2021 at 10:04 pm
Please let’s not waste a first round pick on a running back. KVaughn was selected early third round last year to early to give up on him now if so then we wasted a pick last year. We need depth on the defensive line. Let’s get best defensive lineman available in first n second round. Bernard is the right fit. Unlike Fournette, he has character that mesh well with his skills set. We need that type of leadership n modeling in the locker room for Vaughn n RoJo. Did anyone hear Bernard’s interview n how well he spoke about the two backs coming out of North Carolina not having egos n support each other when the other has success. I don’t see Fournette speaking that language. We are good at running back. Let’s focus on finding Brady’s replacement. Sort of like Steve Young after Montana, ARod after Farve. Brady is the best GM in the nfl.
April 17th, 2021 at 10:28 pm
Sam Ehlinger in round six. Very large and dynamic QB. Holds the Big 12 record for passes without an interception.
April 17th, 2021 at 10:43 pm
If Etienne is the best player available at the Bucs pick, snag him, no matter who the Bucs have now for running back. If there is another player better at another position then take that player. But to not take a running back because we have that covered is not the call here. If ET is the best player available player then simple, if not simple get someone else. GO BUCS!!!!
April 17th, 2021 at 11:09 pm
Why draft an RB when good ones are cast off from other teams regularly? Lenny, Gio, Shady, etc, etc.
April 17th, 2021 at 11:13 pm
You guys and your “Take QB X in the 6th Round”. If QB X has a rag arm, he won’t make the team. The Bucs offense isn’t a good fit for an Ian Book or Sam Ehlinger type, IMHO. We’ll see.
April 17th, 2021 at 11:16 pm
Go for it. A hair over 78 percent of the carries the Bucs got from the run game last year is possibly walking out the door in less than a year. And sorry if Joe is nowhere near ready to anoint Vaughn as a No. 1 back — he may prove to be one this season but not (yet) seeing it.
Drafting a running back (like Etennie) at No. 32 is no more or less repulsive than drafting a wide receiver, a corner, a defensive tackle or even an offensive lineman (given how people for years have been trying to find a way to run off Donovan Smith).
If the Bucs do draft Etennie, willing to bet he gets both more carries and has more rushing yards than Vaughn.
April 18th, 2021 at 12:01 am
Maybe I’m missing something here….but we haven’t signed AB & Godwin is franchised….perhaps we should consider a WR over a RB…..and the WR class is very deep.
I will say this……Gio is a huge upgrade to our RB corps….when you look at it, Gio replaces Shady & Shady had practically zero production.
April 18th, 2021 at 12:34 am
Joe
“Go for it. A hair over 78 percent of the carries the Bucs got from the run game last year is possibly walking out the door in less than a year.”
Shoulda, woulda, coulda. 78 percent of a team that runs 30 percent. Don’t know anything about MIGHT happen next year. I know our more important, expensive Jensen, JPP, Carlton Davis, Whitehead, Suh are going into contract years. Stennie and Wells are also on one year contracts. Secondary is very thin compared to four RB. Facts. This big signing of Licht and Brady scouting Bernard will probably make this that much less of a running game in this passing offense in a passing league.
But me personally…Don’t even think Licht will be at 32. He’s about building through the draft and this is literally the perfect draft to trade back for picks.
April 18th, 2021 at 2:18 am
I’ll be pissed if we draft a RB that early, if at all. Edge, CB, Dline, Oline, hell even WR at this point (no A.B.) are more of a priority than RB. We’ll resign RoJo after next year and Gio on another 1-yr deal if he pans out as our pass-catching RB. We lost Andrew Adams and our special teams definitely could use some speed and juice so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a safety drafted on day 3 before a RB. I’m a Javonte Williams fan myself, but as an armchair GM…no RBs this draft after signing Gio.
April 18th, 2021 at 2:37 am
If we draft him tell Lenny ” about that check we lent you…… we’re gonna need it all back! Your services are no longer needed!”
April 18th, 2021 at 3:17 am
Joe has a boner for Travis the way I did for Trent Richardson
April 18th, 2021 at 3:39 am
Fournette has a bad attitude, Rojo can’t catch or pass block, and Vaughan seemed clueless last year. Which means the Bucs have exactly ONE all purpose back on the roster. And he’s 29. I say draft two solid 3-down backs this year and see who rises up in a years time.
April 18th, 2021 at 4:11 am
As this team builds in “win now” mode, the only open roster spots are DE-S/CB-QB2-WR. RB will be next years issue.
April 18th, 2021 at 4:34 am
Odds are that our first pick will still be on the roster when Brady hangs it up. A premiere RB may be just what the next QB needs to keep the team competitive. I like Williams at 32 or wherever over any other RB in this draft. Great mind, great skills, great attitude, and not beat down from shouldering the full load for his team. 17 games is a long season. A strong rotation at RB could be the difference between just making the playoffs and winning another Lombardi.
April 18th, 2021 at 8:08 am
I like the idea. Our special team sucks for a long time. He a younger Shady McCoy.
I prefer an olb at that position, but would be content with a MAC Jones or Etienne.
April 18th, 2021 at 8:40 am
This QB class is garbage. We have plenty of time to scout and develop a QB before Brady leaves. I don’t want to touch Jones, Stills, Trask with a ten yard pole unless we’re racked up in the early rounds.
April 18th, 2021 at 10:26 am
“It’s a safe bet that either Ronald Jones or Leonard Fournette will have a new address in 2020.”
I know it was a lost year but come on Joe.
April 18th, 2021 at 10:39 am
I like the idea of this guy as punt returner…. He seems a lot like Kamara…
April 18th, 2021 at 12:24 pm
I’m surprised somebody hasn’t called animal control as much as this horse has been beat..
April 18th, 2021 at 1:40 pm
I like Etienne, but waiting for Michael Carter at #64 might be better value, allowing a first round pick like Dickerson or, yes, Asante Samuel.
April 18th, 2021 at 2:45 pm
Trenches.
April 18th, 2021 at 2:49 pm
Explosive player that can challenge for a starting job either RB or WR … we don’t have explosive!
April 18th, 2021 at 5:14 pm
I think it’s time for Joe to put Etienne, in the Rachel Watson-Johnny Manziel fantasy zone. It’s not gonna happen.
April 18th, 2021 at 6:30 pm
With Gio, Keyshaun, and one of Rojo or Lenny for next year, I can’t imagine the Bucs wasting a high draft pick on a RB. Dime a dozen!
There is no RB in the draft that’s worth that high a price when you got father time ticking on JPP, Suh, Lavonte David, and no proven shut down corner.
Also, who exactly is coming in at any OT position if an injury occurs there?
With the pick up Gio, that pretty much shut the front door on a RB 1st or 2nd Rd.
April 18th, 2021 at 9:53 pm
Dummies saying we have Bernard. He’s DONE! Dude signed vet minimum deal. $137k signing bonus. He’s toast. Please stop. He averaged 3.2 and 3.4 YPC the last two seasons.
April 18th, 2021 at 11:34 pm
Can’t see it. They have four running back‘s on the roster that are pretty good. Three of them are under 25.
I can’t imagine they don’t take someone on the D line because of the age of their D line and the depth of D line players in this draft.
For the first 4 rounds:
1-2 D Line
1-2 LB
3-4 OL
3-4 WR/returner
I love Travis E and if they trade back and still get those other four positions in the first four rounds along with him, that would be awesome