Combine Recap: Running Backs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be in the market for a running back to help boost a struggling part of the offense. Here are some highlights from the running backs at the Scouting Combine that the Buccaneers may have some interest in.

Myles Gaskin

Key Stat: 4.58 40-Yard Dash

Here’s the thing about his 40 - it was good, but his initial burst wasn’t great. It was around 1.5 seconds for the first ten years which means he doesn’t have a great get off but gets faster and stronger the longer he runs. That could be beneficial if he’s used as more of the “power” back, but not great in the sense that he’s not going be explosive at the line of scrimmage.

Devin Singletary

Key Stat: 4.66 40-Yard Dash

So Singletary, when at the podium Thursday, wanted to remind everyone about how he’s the same size as Barry Sanders. He said it numerous times. However, he doesn’t move like Barry Sanders. A disappointing 40 time could see Singletary drop a bit, which is beneficial to the Bucs if they’re looking to score running back help in the mid to late rounds. No doubt Singletary is quick on his cuts and shifty, but not a breakaway speed kind of guy. But then again, a breakaway speed guy isn’t exactly what the Bucs need...

Josh Jacobs

Key Stat: DNP

Jacobs didn’t participate in any of the drills due to a tweaked groin, but he’s still a name to keep an eye on. No, I don’t believe the Buccaneers would take him at number five, but if they are able to trade back an accumulate some picks, you could see them move back up to snag Jacobs if the groin injury causes him to slip. He’s been linked to the Bucs by numerous analysts already including Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah, but the fifth pick is just too rich. That doesn’t mean the Bucs won’t have a shot at arguably the best back in the draft.

Elijah Holyfield

Key Stat: 4.79 40-Yard Dash

Holyfield definitely didn’t impress in the 40, running a 4.79. However, that may not be a huge issue for the Buccaneers as they have a speed guy in Ronald Jones that Arians has stated he’s very excited to work with.

Miles Sanders

Key Stat: 124.0 inch Broad Jump

Although it wasn’t the highest, 124 inches for the broad jump places Sanders in the top five. The lower body explosion is key due to the strength a running back has to posses in his lower body. This kind of strength allows backs to power through tackles and gain those tough few yards in goal line situations. Sanders has some deficiencies but he’s a powerful runner that can be had in the mid rounds, allowing the Bucs a nice duo with Jones.

Overall, the running back class is somewhat underwhelming, but there are some nice backs that can become full time guys with the proper development. If Arians and his staff are going to continue to work with Jones, bringing in a guy that can share time with a different style of running can help the offense immensely - especially if that player is the type that can pound the ball in those goal-to-go situations where the Bucs have had trouble in the recent past.