Buccaneers potential draft targets and best fits: Running back

JC Allen breaks down each position group in the draft with potential targets, including the best fits for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL Draft.

Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo in action during the game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the Buccaneers have put themselves in a great position entering draft weekend. This offseason, the team got off to a fast start in free agency. Before the legal tampering period began, the Bucs had re-signed Lavonte David and Ben Bredeson, and as the clock struck noon, the team had deals done with Chris Godwin and Haason Reddick. They kept continuity in backup spots by retaining Kyle Trask, Greg Gaines, Anthony Nelson, Sterling Shepard and Bryce Hall. They also added to the depth of their team, with the additions of linebacker Anthony Walker, corner Kindle Vildor, and swing tackle Charlie Heck.

The moves the Bucs have made have given them great flexibility in the draft. There are still holes remaining on the roster, but they have positioned themselves to where they aren’t pigeonholed into any one position, especially in the early rounds. The biggest remaining needs are at corner, inside linebacker, edge rusher and safety. Adding to the depth at defensive tackle, wide receiver, tight end and the interior offensive line should also be among considerations for draft picks. However, Tampa Bay has just six selections in the draft, so not every position will be able to land a player unless the team moves back to accumulate more picks.

In this series, we’ll take a look at each position in the draft and the potential prospects they could select in each round. In some rounds, there won’t be any fits due to not having an overwhelming need at the position or no first-round grades on players who could potentially be there at their selection.

I would say the Bucs are pretty set at running back. After the emergence of last year's fourth-round pick Bucky Irving, the team has a loaded backfield that includes Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. Irving took the league by storm with his uncanny ability to make defenders miss and pick up yards after contact. Although White was relegated to a more rotational role towards the end of the season, he is one of the game's best receiving and pass-protecting backs. Tucker might be the best pure rusher of the group. After winning the NFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 6 against the Saints, Tucker wasn't nearly used as much as he should've been, and head coach Todd Bowles hopes to get him more involved this season. However, White is in a contract year, and the only other back on the roster is former undrafted free agent D.J. Williams.

It's unlikely the Bucs will look at running back early in the draft, but on Day 3, if there is a prospect they like, especially in the seventh round, it wouldn't be the biggest shock if they added one to the room.

Round 1

None

Round 2

None

Round 3

Cam Skattebo, Arizona State (5'9" / 216 / 5SR)

Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo is tackled by Texas linebacker Colin Simmons. / Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Skattebo is a compact runner who plays with a physical style and maintains balance and leverage as he bursts through holes. Rarely taken down by the first defender, he forced 104 missed tackles and averaged over four yards per carry after contact. An under-appreciated receiver, he has also thrown 19 passes for three touchdowns and has punted eight times, with three going over 50 yards. However, he'll need polish in pass pro and work on ball security at the next level. Skattebo isn't going to run away from anyone as a home run threat and can be stiff in his movements, especially when jump-cutting. He finished his final season with 1,711 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns, adding 45 receptions for 605 yards and three scores.

How he fits: Skattebo is a versatile back who runs tougher than his size. He has tremendous ability to make the first defender miss and is a factor in short-yardage situations. I don't think the Bucs will take a running back this early, but there has been some speculation around Rachaad White's future with the team. Skattebo had an informal interview with the Bucs at the NFL Combine.

Round 4

Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech (5'9" / 206 / SR)

National team running back Bhayshul Tuten of Virginia Tech runs the ball during Senior Bowl practice. / Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Tuten possesses runaway 4.3 speed and is a threat to take it to the house at any time. With a compact frame, he bounces off would-be tacklers and averaged 4.4 yards after contact last year. He displays excellent footwork with the ability to make quick cuts and accelerate, and he also has experience as a kick returner. However, he tends to try and bounce runs outside too often, doesn't display the best vision and patience when running within the tackles, and needs to be more decisive when hitting the hole. Fumbles and pass protection are concerns, but he doesn't shy away from oncoming defenders. He's probably a better fit in a zone blocking scheme. Tuten finished his senior year rushing for 1,159 yards, with 15 scores, and added 23 receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

How he fits: The Bucs don't have a home run-hitting back on the roster, but if they can move back and acquire extra picks, they could add Tuten to an already loaded running back room. He's more of a zone runner, but the Bucs deploy plenty of zone looks. Tuten had an informal interview with the Bucs at the NFL Combine.

Round 5

LeQuint Allen, Syracuse (6'0" / 204 / JR)

Syracuse Orange running back LeQuint Allen carries the ball in the first quarter against the Connecticut Huskies. / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Allen is an excellent receiver with soft hands and the ability to run a clean route and gain yards after the catch. He displays good contact balance, with 44 missed tackles forced in his junior year, and has deceptive short-area quickness. Allen knows how to set up blocks when running between the tackles and is tremendous in pass protection, reading blitzes, and picking up rushers. However, he doesn't have explosive speed. He can run too upright at times, and his undersized frame might be maxed out. He shows inconsistencies from one play to the next and was charged with assault after a fight on campus in 2022. Allen had just one fumble in his three years and finished 2024 with 1,021 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, with 64 receptions for 521 yards receiving and four scores.

How he fits: Allen is a versatile back and one of the better pass-protecting and receiving running backs in the draft. He doesn't turn the ball over and was extremely productive at Syracuse. If the Bucs move on from White or want to draft his replacement, Allen would be a great fit and would certainly PL34SE former teammate Sean Tucker. He had an informal interview with the Bucs at the NFL Combine.

Round 6

Jo'Qauvious "Woody" Marks, USC (5'10" / 213 / 5SR)

Southern California Trojans running back Woody Marks runs the ball ahead of Nebraska Cornhuskers. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Marks has excellent vision and patience running behind blockers and showcases tremendous burst when lanes open up. He wins with good footwork and sharp cuts and can create missed tackles with shoulder and jab fakes. He's a natural route runner with smooth hands and transitions to a runner without losing speed. Despite that, he's quicker than fast and can get brought down in pursuit, and isn't someone to call on in short-yardage situations. He needs refinement in pass protection and will be run through by downhill linebackers, and he will be a 25-year-old rookie. Marks finished his final year with the Trojans, running for 1,133 yards with nine touchdowns. He added 47 receptions for 321 yards receiving, but failed to find the endzone. He has an astounding 261 career receptions.

How he fits: Marks is a dynamic receiving back who makes defenders miss in open space. He needs some work in pass pro, and won't be someone to call in short-yardage situations, but if the Bucs want to grab someone to groom for life after White, he makes a ton of sense late in the draft. Marks had an informal meeting with the Bucs at the NFL Combine.

Round 7

Phil Mafah, Clemson (6'0" / 234 / 5SR)

Clemson Tigers running back Phil Mafah leaps over The Citadel Bulldogs defensive back Cale Williams. / Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

Mafah is a bulldozing back who seeks contact and wears defenders down. He's patient and will follow his set-up blocks, excelling in short-yardage and goal-to-go situations. He displays exceptional contact balance running through arm tackles and punishes would-be tacklers with a nasty stiff arm. He shows surprisingly quick feet to make sudden cuts behind the line to get to the right rushing lane. He's not much of a receiving threat, but he has reliable hands. However, he has just average speed and won't blow by anyone. He is tight-hipped, and that stiffness affects his ability to quickly change direction and start and stop on a dime, and he will run too high, making himself a bigger target for tacklers. He also needs some work in pass protection. Mafah finished his final season at Clemson, rushing for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns, adding 21 receptions for 103 yards.

How he fits: Mafah brings great size and pound away skill to the running back room. He wears defenders down throughout the game. He’s patient enough to follow his blocks and sturdy enough to stay upright after contact. He’s not going to run away from anyone and need some work in pass protection, but would be a nice change of pace back than can be utilized in short yardage and goal-to-go situations. He recently had a pre-draft meeting with the Bucs.

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READ MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM reveals big insight into this year's draft

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