Drafting A Running Back High May Be Needed
February 2nd, 2026
Still No. 1?
Let Joe be clear: Joe’s not anxious to push Bucky Irving down the roster. Or off the roster.
But there was an air of mystery that surrounded Bucky last year that was not tied to his injuries. Throw in the fact that Bucky simply didn’t get the job done on the field, Joe would not be scared to draft a running back on Day 2 of the draft.
Now it could be because of former Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. Maybe he didn’t know how to craft a run game. Maybe the Bucs couldn’t block because of injuries and, as a result, Bucky’s production dropped.
Well, the blocking excuse doesn’t hold water because backups Rachaad White and Sean Tucker ran better than Bucky. Those two guys ran behind the very same blockers as Bucky did.
The good news for Bucky is that new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson knows how to develop a run game. But here is the problem:
Last year White was both the Bucs’ second leading rusher (572 rushing yards) and had the second-most rushing touchdowns (4). White is gone. Well, not technically yet, but he already bid adios on social media mere hours after the season ended.
Since the Bucs have to add a running back and there are question marks with the team’s top runner, why not draft a guy on Day 2 of the draft?
Yes, of course, there’s always Tyler Allgeier.
February 2nd, 2026 at 12:11 am
I started thinking the same thing as soon as RW started let it be known he was probably gone. As much as we need pieces on defense, we definitely need to get some upgrades and depth for the RB room.
February 2nd, 2026 at 12:24 am
4/5 of our first 5 picks need to be front 7 players. Never a RB remotely early unless he’s truly remarkable and has 4.2-4.3 speed. Target speedy defensive players too. It’s a track meet.
February 2nd, 2026 at 12:30 am
Drafting one? yes. High? Absolutely not. RB & ILB we can find guys ready to contribute later in comparison to the more premium positions.
3rd at the earliest
February 2nd, 2026 at 12:50 am
no. SMDH. absolutely no
February 2nd, 2026 at 1:22 am
Drafting a RB is never needed.
We “hit” on Bucky and all we got was half a season of good running while letting a UDFA NFC player of the week rot on the bench. So wasteful.
February 2nd, 2026 at 1:39 am
Will be options in free agency. Allgaier knows the system and can play on all 3 downs.
Top 3 or 4 picks should all be defense. Then last couple can be RB and developmental line man
February 2nd, 2026 at 1:43 am
Probably someone like DEMOND CLAIBORNE from Wake Forest. He’ll probably go like 3rd round.