Jerome Ford And The Bucs
April 28th, 2022
It’s unpopular to talk about, but the Bucs could really use a dangerous running back in the draft over the next three days.
There are a few reasons why.
First, Ronald Jones now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. And he was a productive and dangerous runner. Who replaced him?
Second, running backs are historically quick-impact draft picks. That’s exactly what the Bucs need, right-now kind of players, as they look to win a Super Bowl immediately with their ancient quarterback.
Joe likes running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Maybe he’s ready for a big step up? Veterans Leonard Fournette and Giovani Bernard are valuable, but will they stay healthy this season?
Every year running backs enter the NFL in the mid or late rounds and light a spark, and sometimes it’s more like a fire.
That brings Joe to Jerome Ford, the 5-10, 210-pound back out of the University of Cincinnati. Great chance he’s there for the Bucs at the end of Round 4. Ford ran 4.46 in the 40 yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine (same time as two-time Bucs Pro Bowler Doug Martin).
Ford launched his college career at Alabama but didn’t like his chances of playing time after two seasons on the bench behind the Crimson Tide’s superstar backfield. That led him to rushing for 1,802 yards over two seasons with Cincinnati, including 19 rushing touchdowns in 2021.
Ford is known for his soft hands and explosiveness after the catch. But overall he’s a raw talent.
Joe has read how Ford stayed devoted and patient and team-first during his two frustrating years at Alabama, remaking his body and exploding at Cincinnati.
The fast-impact ceiling for Ford is very high, Joe believes. And he is primed to play special teams.
Someone to keep in the back of your mind tonight as you dream of the Bucs drafting a guard in Round 1, or an electric receiver, or the best pass rusher available at any position, among other fantasies.
Beer run!
Always a great weekend when the Bromosa is flowing from @BigStormBrewing pic.twitter.com/XEURMtDFEf— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) April 22, 2022
April 28th, 2022 at 1:11 pm
If you feel the need to waste yet another draft pick on a RB, at least do it late, and make sure they can return the ball.
In fact if you got someone who can return the ball, is proven to be great at it, then I’d even be OK with a high pick.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:11 pm
Round 4, as you suggest. Fine.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:21 pm
I like Alec Pierce. Tom Brady needs weapons. No lock Godwin will start week 1 next year. That leaves Bucs too light at WR. Pierce is a big draft sleeper – huge talent. If he’s available at 60 Bucs can’t pass on him.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:23 pm
Love this guy. Tough runner. Also like Rashaad White and James Cook. All tough runners, but Cook has the best hands out of the backfield, so IMHO Brady would like Cook the best.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:29 pm
Cook doesn’t look like he could be an every down running back. Explosive, yeah… but he’s not gonna muscle out any tough yards.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:29 pm
If we draft Zion Johnson, the tackle from Tulsa (and make him a guard), Kenyon Green, Linderbaum or any run blocking G, I like our chances to win the SB and stay relevant after this year. With Shaq Mason already there, Brady won’t have to throw the ball as much, and Trask will come in (next year) mature, with a decade to throw, a good running game and excellent receivers. Go Guard. Last year’s line was great, but it’s strength was pass blocking. Now, we could turn our biggest offseason need into our biggest offseason improvement. Nowadays, offense wins championships as well. Get a Guard and we’ll have a dominant offense for the next 5-7 years, no matter who is under center.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:30 pm
Under the radar running back. Jashuan Corbin FSU. Team player, decent speed, great work ethic and character. Could provide depth and should be able to get in the 6th round.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:30 pm
You hit the nail on the head Joe. Rounds 1,2,3,4,7,7. Let’s go delving for a RB in a very happy pass league with Brady. Maybe a seventh.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Fine with me since we have nothing special at running back.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:42 pm
I’m a fan of adding as many pass catching weapons to the team as they can. If the RB is a hybrid then he could be a great addition. Ideally the team takes the best TE in draft in early round 2 on a trade or trade up for a top WR.
If not Tyler Linderbaum IOWA, Jr OL he will be a 10 year pro bowler in NFL on the interior. He has all the history, tape and intangibles to be a career linemen.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Spot on Joe!
LFG!!!
April 28th, 2022 at 1:54 pm
Sure – why not. We need 1 more RB anyway – might as well make it a solid prospect.
Just make sure picks 1>3 are used to bolster the Defense. We need quality depth that can develop into starters at all 3 levels.
April 28th, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Jerome Ford looks exactly like Ke’shawn Vaughn in the open field, but with more power than Sneak. Good balance, really good blend of power, speed, and willing to attack between the tackles. If he’s available late, I’d be a little annoyed if we passed on him.
April 28th, 2022 at 2:18 pm
They should almost select a RB in every Draft, late round pick. Any pick after 4 is almost a throwaway these days.
April 28th, 2022 at 2:21 pm
As much research as the Bucs have put into RB’s this offseason, you figure they are going to take someone.
April 28th, 2022 at 2:22 pm
Round 4 sounds about right. Sure if he’s got soft hands sounds good. We need another back
April 28th, 2022 at 2:30 pm
A return game is a massive need–let’s not forget that. Punter & return man. play field position.
April 28th, 2022 at 2:55 pm
Brian Robinson!
April 28th, 2022 at 3:31 pm
All I want to know is when are we going to draft a kicker?
April 28th, 2022 at 3:34 pm
The heck with the running back. From your picture who in the he!! is number 51.
April 28th, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Like Ford or James Cook, they are better fits than Brian Robinson. Cook can line up all over the field and catch the ball.
April 28th, 2022 at 3:51 pm
LOL!!! @Billy Bob
German import Lorenz Metz, just your atypical 6’8ish linemen, iirc he used to play D, but that’s changed now he plays guard & tackle. Another bearcat we could be looking at is LB Darrien Beavers, who can be had in the final 3rd of the draft.
April 28th, 2022 at 4:05 pm
Darrian Beavers is another one I’ve been watching. Lot of talent on that Bearcat team.
April 28th, 2022 at 4:14 pm
They went all-in on Lenny, Key is there, Gio is on a 1-yr. That’s a complete backfield for one season. They could have gone for a feature back in either FA or in draft who is better than Lenny (not difficult) but chose to spend the jack on him. They should still find that feature back, and a change of pacer, but AFTER ALL OF THE NEEDS ON DEFENSE ARE MET FIRST.
April 28th, 2022 at 4:24 pm
All the most mentioned players on JBF will be gone by pick 27. We should of traded it IMO.
April 28th, 2022 at 5:02 pm
HC Grover: The 2022 NFL Draft hasn’t happened yet. WTF are you talking about?
April 28th, 2022 at 5:38 pm
Jah Maine Martin from North Carolina A & T, Zonovan Martin from North Carolina St., Ty Chandler from North Carolina. I wouldn’t mind Robinson from Texas next year (if he comes out) but they probably won’t be picking high enough. He’d be gone by the time they’d probably be picking.
April 28th, 2022 at 6:17 pm
really?
waste a draft pick
Bobby Rainey was the example remember that
April 28th, 2022 at 6:18 pm
RB is bit going to be the pick.
April 28th, 2022 at 6:18 pm
*is not
April 28th, 2022 at 6:20 pm
I really like him, but like Ty Chandler better. If you don’t know him, look him up on YouTube
April 28th, 2022 at 6:21 pm
If I’m gonna take a RB just wait & look into some undrafted RBs. Can find some good undrafted players. Especially since not everybody will be drafted.
April 28th, 2022 at 6:23 pm
RB in the next 3 days, fine (7th Round?). RB in the first 3 rounds? I doubt it.
April 28th, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Damien Peirce in the will be the steal of the draft.
April 28th, 2022 at 6:34 pm
I still want them to trade up a few positions and get Jordan Davis DT but I don’t think it’s going to happen… so this is what I think can happen. The next best DT for them could be had in the round 2 which opens up first round for a DB and Joe has convinced me CINE is the man
1- DB Lewis Cine UGA
2- DT Travis Jones UConn
3- WR Alec Pierce Cincy
4- OG (OT)Jamaree Saler
5- RB Jerome Ford Cincy / Tyler Baddie Mizzou
I actually had Ford for RB before this article but wasn’t sure if he’d stick around till the round 5. Not sure if Baddie will either. Baddie is a little faster and stockier but a touch shorter and lighter. The thing about Baddie is he’s almost more of a receiver out of the backfield, which is a good thing.
Either way, I do believe they grab a running back at some point and these guys are both fast. If the Cincy receiver is there in round 3, to me that’s a no-brainer. He’s 6’3” yet quick and fast.
April 28th, 2022 at 6:35 pm
Regardless of what I think I want, this is a far cry from six years ago and earlier. I have a lot of faith in the Buccaneers scouting and drafting department under LICHT. LFG!
April 28th, 2022 at 6:36 pm
We don’t have a 5th round pick, unless they trade back into the 5th.
April 28th, 2022 at 6:41 pm
Gonna be away from the site tonight…but i’ll be back after this first is done.
1.Olave
2.Dotson
3.Wyatt
^^One of those please
April 28th, 2022 at 8:05 pm
Ford is a home run hitter with break away speed and electric horizontal quickness.
He’s also every thing a QB could want from a pass catching back and pass protecting back.
Ford would be an be an awesome round 2 or 3 pick who could immediately help the win now Bucs.
I would love for the Bucs to get him! Let’s Go!!!