The 2019 Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an average running game. The Buccaneers had Ronald Jones II and Peyton Barber coming out of the backfield. Jones ran for 724 yards with six touchdowns. Barber ran for 470 yards and six touchdowns. A combined total of 1,194 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Buccaneers lost Barber to free agency this year; he signed a two-year deal with the Redskins. Barber’s departure left an open door for Jones to be their number one running back. However, the Bucs could have picked up a solid running back in the draft.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn
The Bucs selected Vaughn in the third round using their 76th pick. The running back out of Vanderbilt has incredible awareness and can even break tackles given his 5’10 frame.
College Statistics:
– Rushing yards: 3,296
– Attempts: 572
– Rushing yards per carry: 20
– Touchdowns: 30
Receiving Statistics:
– Receiving yards: 640
– Receptions: 72
– Receiving yards per carry: 40
-Touchdowns: 3
For a third-round pick, Vaughn’s skill set is unmatched. Along with his great running game, Vaughn has incredible hands. At the Combine, he ran a 4.51 in the 40-yard dash. He is extre and uses his strong legs to help him gain extra yardage after contact.
I see Vaughn being the clear number-two running back for the Bucs in 2020. With other names like T.J. Logan, Aca’Cedric Ware, and Dare Ogunbowale, Vaughn is light years ahead of those players. After the draft, the Bucs signed 13 undrafted free agents, none of which were running backs.
The Buccaneers are showing confidence in Jones and Vaughn. Vaughn would be an impressive weapon for screen passes or short passes on third downs. Knowing how Brady likes to check down, I think Vaughn would be the man out there for those quick passes.
Final Running Back Depth Chart Prediction
– RB1: Ronald Jones II
– RB2: Ke’Shawn Vaughn
– RB3: Raymond Calais
– RB4: Dare Ogunbowale
– RB5: T.J. Logan
– RB6: Aca’Cedric Ware
Conclusion
What the Bucs have now is a solid depth chart for their running backs. Adding Vaughn was a major help to the team. The combination of Jones and Vaughn will be deadly for the other team.
I see Vaughn as more of a short pass, short run option player. Vaughn has the natural ability to find holes and gaps given to him by the offensive line. Drafting him was huge for the Bucs given his strengths.
Other running backs to consider are Raymond Calais, who was selected in the seventh round. Dare Ogunbowle, like Vaughn, has great hands as well.
