It's a new week, and that means there are some new mock drafts to evaluate. It seems Alabama running back Trent Richardson is becoming a popular pick for the Buccaneers, even over cornerback Morris Claiborne. I can see that happening, but I don't see that as a very good use of a draft pick. Running backs have a short lifespan, are relatively injury-prone, and it's fairly easy to get serviceable backs later in the draft. Especially when you already have Legarrette Blount, who is good enough to play a pretty big role in the offense, and while there are much bigger holes on the roster.
Regardless, that's what Ryan Van Bibber thinks the Bucs will do in his 2012 NFL Mock Draft:
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
LaGarrette Blount isn't a feature back; Richardson is. Blount still has a role to play, but Tampa joins the rest of the league in having a multifaceted ground game. The best running back in the draft would add another dimension to Tampa's offense, helping not only as runner but as another option for Josh Freeman in the passing game.