Saints Draft Prospect: Tank Bigsby
The running attack for the New Orleans Saints ranked just 19th in 2022 and a lowly 22nd in yards per carry. Those numbers were even inflated thanks to back-to-back games of over 225 rushing yards early in the year. Without those, the Saints barely averaged 100 yards and were held below the century mark in seven of their other 15 contests.
Running back Alvin Kamara is still among the NFL's best offensive weapons. Kamara's effectiveness has been limited the last two years because there's been no consistent complement to him in the backfield, thereby lessening his opportunities as a receiver.
New Orleans signed RB Jamaal Williams in free agency. Williams is fresh off his first 1,000-yard season and a league-high 17 touchdowns. However, Kamara is also facing at least a six-game league suspension because of legal issues.
Because of this, many expect the Saints to add another back through the draft. With the ability of both Williams and Kamara to excel outside the numbers, this could be a bruiser who could pick up yards between the tackles.
RB - Tank Bigsby
Auburn (Jr.)
6'0" 210-Lbs.
Nov 19, 2022; Auburn Tigers running back Tank Bigsby (4) runs through a hole against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Cartavious (Tank) Bigsby was a three-year starter and one of the few consistent bright spots for a struggling Auburn team. He was voted the SEC Freshman of the Year in an abbreviated 10-game schedule in 2020 with 834 yards and five touchdowns.
In 2021, Bigsby turned in 1,099 yards and 10 touchdowns to again lead the Tigers and finish 2nd Team All-SEC. His 2022 campaign was nearly as productive, finishing with 970 yards and 10 scores. He had 13 100-yard outings in 35 career games at Auburn, rolling up 2,903 yards on the ground and 25 touchdowns.
Bigsby put forth an impressive display at both the NFL Scouting Combine and his Pro Day. His 4.56 40 time and 1.54 10-yard split were up with the best times among backs in this year’s draft class.
An upright runner, Bigsby presents an easy target for defenders. He also had an issue with ball security throughout college, both with fumbles and dropped passes as a receiver. Not asked to do much as a pass catcher for Auburn, he'll definitely have to improve his focus in that area in the NFL.
Sometimes Bigsby can dance too much in the backfield instead of just going into the line. He lacks game-breaking speed, but can stray from his strengths as a power back by trying to bounce plays outside.
At his best, Bigsby runs with ferocity and is rarely brought down by a lone tackler. He's an effective inside runner with underrated elusiveness and the strength to break through arm tackles. His legs keep churning after contact for extra yards and he's extremely efficient in short yardage situations.
Once through the line, Bigsby shows nice burst into open space. He'll power over defensive backs in the open field, with most of his big plays coming after breaking multiple tackles. He has quick feet to instantly change direction if an initial hole closes.
Sep 18, 2021; Auburn Tigers running back Tank Bigsby (4) runs the ball while trying to avoid a tackle from Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9). Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY
Over the last two years, New Orleans has struggled at times in short yardage situations. Kamara is at his best when used around the formation, but the team had few other backfield options outside of Taysom Hill. Jamaal Williams greatly improves the backfield, but the Saints could use another option between the tackles.
When he runs with decisiveness, Tank Bigsby is the type of power back that teams covet. A Day 2 talent, Bigsby could slip into Day 3 because he currently offers little value in passing situations. If he develops that part of his game, he's a potential steal with the talent to take on the load of a featured back.
