The Tampa Bay Buccaneers addressed their backfield in last month’s NFL draft by using two picks on running backs: Ke’Shawn Vaughn out of Vanderbilt (Round 3) and Louisiana back Raymond Calais (Round 7).
The pair will team up with Ronald Jones to form the core of the Bucs’ rushing attack, but is it possible the Bucs bring in a veteran running back, too? ESPN NFL writers Matt Bowen and Field Yates both believe that former Falcons running back Devonta Freeman could be a good fit in Tampa Bay with the Bucs.
Per Bowen:
“The receiving traits would be a boost to Tom Brady and the Tampa offense, and Freeman also could share carries in a committee approach with Ronald Jones, who showed flashes of his potential last season, and rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn.”
Yates is in favor of this pick, in part, because it would just be fun to see.
Per Yates:
“This is a fun fit. I know they’ve made running back investments this offseason, but I’d love to see Freeman on a one-year deal. He’s an excellent pass-catcher and a tough-as-nails pass-protector who could help them right away.”
The Bucs drafted Vaughn in part because of his pass-catching potential, but as Yates points out, Freeman could contribute right away. If Freeman does come to the Bucs, let’s hope he’ll be okay taking hand offs from the quarterback who mounted the greatest Super Bowl comeback ever against him and the Falcons.
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