The 2019 NFL draft saw the Buccaneers use the majority of their picks to address their defensive woes. Selecting linebacker Devin White with the fifth overall pick set the tempo for a draft in which they also picked up talented young cornerbacks in both Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean.
As the 2020 draft approaches, we may very well see Tampa Bay go in the opposite direction this year, prioritizing offense, especially now that they have Tom Brady as their quarterback. The offensive line is the major issue, namely along the right side. Several talented offensive linemen could go in round one, so it seems to be just a matter of which one lands with Tampa Bay at 14.
But, let’s not forget about the backfield. Running back Peyton Barber bolted for the nation’s capital in free agency, signing a two-year deal with the Redskins, leaving Ronald Jones as the primary back for Tampa Bay. While there are some free agent backs still out there, like LeSean McCoy, this year’s draft offers depth at the running back position, meaning the Bucs could snag a quality back after the first round.
In their latest piece over at NFL.com, draft experts Chad Reuter and Lance Zierlein selected the ideal top two picks for each team, and for the Buccaneers, it was Alabama OT Jedrick Wills in round one (No. 14) and LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in round two (No. 45).
Per NFL.com:
“Tom Brady needs to be protected. The Buccaneers have a glaring hole at right tackle. Wills’ athleticism, nasty streak and improvement during his redshirt sophomore season in 2019 make him a logical choice. I don’t care much about CEH’s 4.6 40 time at the Combine. He’s a stud back who is difficult to tackle and can make plays in the passing game. He deserves to be picked earlier than 45th, but we’ve seen numerous quality running backs slip into the mid-second round: Le’Veon Bell, Derrick Henry, LeSean McCoy, Ray Rice and Miles Sanders to name a few. It’s quite possible Edwards-Helaire, D’Andre Swift or Jonathan Taylor could be available for Tampa Bay.”
CEH had a monster season last year for the national champion LSU Tigers with 215 rushes for 1,414 yards and 16 touchdowns. Production like that would be welcomed with open arms in Tampa Bay. The Bucs may have their pick of the litter in round two when it comes to running backs. Swift, Taylor and even Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins could be in the mix.
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