Jason Licht Didn’t Rule Out Drafting A Running Back
April 20th, 2022
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
Joe would be a little surprised if the Bucs did not draft a running back next week.
Think about it: The guy who was the team’s No. 1 running back two years ago and a guy who got 111 touches last year, Ronald Jones, is now on the Chiefs. So Joe would guess maybe the Bucs would try to replace that since there is such a small sample size from Ke’shawn Vaughn.
Yesterday, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht did not throw cold water on the chance the Bucs would grab a running back.
“Obviously, getting Leonard back was great,” Licht said. “Anytime you can have a three-down back on your roster it poses challenges for a defense. … But no, it would not stop us from taking a back.”
The Bucs have been linked with a pair of SEC running backs, Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller and Alabama’s Brian Robinson. Dane Brugler of The Athletic in his “The Beast” draft guide projects Spiller to be a second-day pick and Robinson to be selected on the third day of the draft.
Joe would guess if Licht does draft a running back next week, it is a CYA move in case Giovani Bernard is getting too old.
Last year Bernard, a reserve, missed four games with injuries. That’s the most games he has missed since 2016. And Bernard is on the wrong side of 30, which we all know is usually the point of no return for running backs.
April 20th, 2022 at 3:20 pm
Newsflash: Licht didn’t rule out drafting anything.
We should draft a RB in round 3 or 4.
April 20th, 2022 at 3:24 pm
If we go after Brian Robinson Jr, Im all about that. I just ruled it out since Lenny returned.
Get him at the bottom of the 3rd after Olave/Dotson, Logan Hall? Oh yeah!
Ed Ingram might last until the 4th.
Then we can work on P Matt Araiza as our last pick.
Still would love to get that jid D’Marco Jackson somehow.
April 20th, 2022 at 3:29 pm
Running backs should never be drafted with anything higher than a 3rd or 4th rounder. The position has only become more and more devalued. If you wanna draft a special teams running back, that’s fine. Anything higher is a wasted pick. Ask the Giants and cowboys about it.
April 20th, 2022 at 3:32 pm
If we do draft a running back, draft one with blazing speed!
LOL, we are still looking for our Alvin Kamara!
April 20th, 2022 at 3:44 pm
I doubt he’ll draft a running back in the first two rounds since there aren’t any with a first round grades. He also isn’t going to tip his hand by ruling out positions. This is liar season.
We probably could use a change of pace back somewhere in this draft. I’m leaning towards James Cook. The RB position is one that pays the greatest dividends for later round selections.
April 20th, 2022 at 3:45 pm
Dameon Pierce in the 4th round please.. Or Spiller in the 3rd..
April 20th, 2022 at 4:09 pm
Don’t overlook James Cook. Good running back and even better receiver. Could easily play in the slot or even outside in four receiver sets. Excellent hands. Solid runner. Good value.
April 20th, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Robinson in the 4th or 5th (if he makes it) would be ok, depending on what we get with the previous picks.
April 20th, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Got a good power all around back, it’s always nice to have a speedster with great hands.
April 20th, 2022 at 4:37 pm
I realize the game has changed but you give me a chance to draft Earl Campbell, Tony Dorsett,Walter Peyton,etc and I will show you how to draft a running back in the first round.
April 20th, 2022 at 4:41 pm
Pierre Strong, fast AF and willing pass blocker.
April 20th, 2022 at 4:51 pm
I’m thinking maybe with one of those 7th Round picks, but who knows.
April 20th, 2022 at 5:08 pm
robinson or walker in the 2nd round
April 20th, 2022 at 5:11 pm
Both tight end and running back positions will be addressed in rounds 3-7…
April 20th, 2022 at 5:17 pm
@ TB chucky
Agreed. Either of those would be nice…
Maybe (RB) Spiller in the 3rd and (TE) J. Woods in the 4th.
Or
Trey McBride in the 3rd and D. Pierce in the 4th.
Either scenario works for me.
April 20th, 2022 at 5:17 pm
I wouldn’t be displeased with Breece Hall in the first if the top DTs and CBs are off the board. Breece might be the best RB the Bucs ever had. Very Marshall Faulk-like.
April 20th, 2022 at 5:25 pm
I’m sure Licht will pick the wrong back, Licht has a better track record picking kickers than running backs lol but I really want Zamir White from Georgia 6’1 214 with 4.4 flat speed and runs like a freight train, he wasn’t asked to catch a lot of passes, didn’t need to when he’s trucking over people and Cook had that role
April 20th, 2022 at 5:34 pm
They talked to just about every RB in the draft I would be shocked if they didn’t draft a RB at some point
April 20th, 2022 at 6:08 pm
Get a big Czonk.
April 20th, 2022 at 6:12 pm
I still think RD 1,2,3 need to be D line, DB and either RB or WR.
No particular order (except never a RB in rd 1)
It all depends on the value. If there is an old lineman in round two that they have where head of everything else then of course they should take him, I’ll trust their judgment.
RB is not as important as it used to be but it is an extremely important position with Brady running the O. Blocking and releasing for quick passes, some thing Ronald Jones could never do and is mostly why he’s gone. Not to mention it’s needed to set up play action.
April 20th, 2022 at 6:36 pm
For some reason, I think the Bucs will pick Wisconsin TE Jake Ferguson. Guy not flashy, but can block and catch.
April 20th, 2022 at 6:37 pm
Seems like everyone thinks we can draft good backs in 3rd round or later. All of the backs behind Lenny ARE 3 round and later and they suck.
April 20th, 2022 at 7:32 pm
I’m with the James Cook guys. Speed, hands and can block. Let him work on third down this year then take over for Lenny when his contract expires
April 20th, 2022 at 7:38 pm
Marine Buc Says:
April 20th, 2022 at 5:11 pm
Both tight end and running back positions will be addressed in rounds 3-7…
^^^^^^^^^
Agreed, it just depends on how the draft falls/goes.
April 20th, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Marine Buc
Agree with TE. The best tight end in this draft is slated to go late second or third round. I would not take one until around three or later.
RB- Seems most likely they would take one round 3 or later unless they fall in love with someone who drops to them for round 2. That seems like it would be a reach though.
April 20th, 2022 at 7:57 pm
I know that certain positions are rated as more important than others in the modern NFL, and no position has seen a greater devaluation than RB. But there have to be exceptions to these rules sometimes. Somebody with the talent and heart of a Walter Payton or a Barry Sanders would be worth 2 first round picks. The problem is how do you tell what a guy is going to become?
April 20th, 2022 at 8:13 pm
I saw a mock that had Trevor Penning and Tyler Linderbaum going lower than pick 27…These are kind of guys that I could see Licht falling in love with and taking at 27.
April 20th, 2022 at 8:21 pm
RB in the 4th or later rd.
April 20th, 2022 at 8:45 pm
I can’t believe people are even thinking they will draft a #4 RB in the early rounds that could end up being a #3 to replace Gio in the future.
1. They resigned Leonard
2. They have loved Vaughn who showed off when he finally got his chance
3. Lenny, Ki, and Gio are all all-around RB
4. Bucs are dire need for OG and defense
5. Defensive HC Bowles first year
Doesn’t add up, especially without a fifth round pick. Maybe the third or fourth if we trade down.
April 20th, 2022 at 8:56 pm
Who the hell knows. These GM’s often fall in love with a board. Licht strikes me as one of those guys. Take chances this draft.
April 20th, 2022 at 9:03 pm
JPP just sold his Florida mansion to the Cash Me Outside girl. She bought it for cash. I think we’re going DL. And I also think our society is doomed.
April 20th, 2022 at 9:22 pm
This would be a mistake. We payed a running back we have another on the roster under his rookie deal. Drafting one with a high pick would be a mistake.
April 20th, 2022 at 9:47 pm
To map to losing: keep sacrificing defense for more offensive skill positions.
RB? Frankly they should have started from scratch with a better veteran than Lenny. But they went all-in on Lenny, which I have never supported, but that’s done. Vaughn can and should bust out. They signed Gio, another iffy move, but that’s done too.
I’m fine with a number of the draft prospects, but the D has to be prioritized
April 20th, 2022 at 11:45 pm
BRING BACK WARRICK DUNN!