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NFL Draft: Texas Running Back Visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Top 30 Visit
Would this running back be a good fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The NFL offseason continues to roll on as the 2024 NFL Draft lingers. Teams are taking strong looks at certain prospects and bringing them in for Top 30 visits. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to be a wild card in the draft, they can use the draft to fill holes and add depth to their roster.
One position that could get a solid lift in the draft is the running back room. While Rachaad White is developing into an all-around back, adding another explosive back to the room could open up plenty for the offense.
On Monday, Ian Rapoport reported the Buccaneers are bringing in Texas running back Jonathon Brooks in for a Top 30 visit. The 6-foot-2, 216 pound back started in the backfield for just one season for the Longhorns after backing up other NFL running backs during his time in Austin.
Brooks is an intriguing prospect for Tampa Bay. As mentioned, White is continually developing into an incredible, well-rounded running back. Adding a productive backup can only be more positive for the position, especially a big-bodied back capable of grinding out yards in short-yardage situations.
In Brooks' junior season last year at Texas, the running back tallied 1,139 rushing yards and ten rushing touchdowns on 187 attempts. He added 286 yards in the receiving game with 25 catches, adding an additional touchdown to his resume.
The Texas product has taken a hit to his draft stock while recovering from an ACL injury. Running backs with major knee injuries have a stigma around them, but Brooks is arguably the most talented running back in this draft class.
Pairing Brooks with White could create a versatile running back room to compliment a Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans-led offense. If the Buccaneers draft right, filling some holes could lead to a talented offense capable of helping the team to another NFC South victory.
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.
