The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been linked to Tennessee Volunteers running back Alvin Kamara, at least by some media. Kamara is your prototypical running back coming out of college standing at 5’10 and 194 lbs.
The Buccaneers may have started looking at the position ever since the news of Doug Martin’s suspension and could use some help considering Martin will be suspended to start the year. Last year’s injuries to the Buccaneers running back corps, justifies a drafting adding a couple more backs to the squad.
Tampa used a plethora of running backs last year, including Rodgers, Sims, Hansborough, and Antone Smith. But, the injuries just continued to pile up.
Kamara in 2016 put up respectable numbers at 596 yards and 9 rushing touchdowns. The previous year he rushed for 698 yards and scored 7 touchdowns. He also has scored 7 times in two seasons with receiving touchdowns.
Tampa doesn’t necessarily need to address the running back position in the first round due to the depth at the position currently, but it wouldn’t hurt to look at the youngster from Tennessee. However, it wouldn’t make sense to draft Kamara at number 19th with several other positions needing attention. If he is there in the second or later rounds, he may be worth a flier.
An interesting note: He was suspended twice while at Alabama, before being released to sign with another school. Tampa may want to look closely into that before spending a pick on him. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pick him because he hasn’t been in any trouble since going to Tennessee, but other positions need to be addressed. So, picking him at 19th wouldn’t be the best idea. In my opinion, selecting any running back at 19th would be a bozo pick.
Go Bucs!