What to do at RB?

Earnest Graham provided a wonderful storyline for us beat writers covering the Bucs this season. The rags-to-riches tale never gets old.

But now that the season is in the books, the Bucs will have to give a lot of thought to how they proceed at running back. Graham's emergence certainly gives them something to build on. The Bucs appear willing to commit to him as they are already discussing a contract extension. But, if we learned nothing this season, we now know how critical depth is at this all-important position.

For the purposes of this conversation, we will not consider Cadillac Williams because, frankly, I'm not convinced he will help the Bucs in 2008 as his patellar tendon injury really needs a full year to recover from. By then, it'll practically be October. So, let's look at the landscape beyond Williams.

The in-house options include Michael Pittman, though he becomes a free agent in March and it's my understanding that he intends to look around and gauge interest elsewhere. Doesn't mean he won't be back, but there's a chance he might not.

Also currently on the roster is Michael Bennett, who says he wishes to come back to see what he can do with a whole offseason and training camp learning the offense. Whether the Bucs want him back remains to be seen.

Then, there's always the free agency option. Scanning the list of projected free-agent running backs, a couple names caught my eye: Dallas' Julius Jones is one. The 26-year-old didn't put up huge numbers this season, with 588 yards playing behind Marion Barber. But Jones netted a combined 2,077 yards in the previous two seasons. And with Barber coming up on restricted free agency, the Cowboys might not want to invest too much at the position. Another guy whose team will be hard-pressed to keep him: Oakland's Justin Fargas. The Raiders saw Dominic Rhodes break out late in the season and rookie Michael Bush returns in 2008 after a broken leg caused him to miss the season. That might make the Raiders think twice about giving a sizable contract to the 27-year-old Fargas, who rushed for 1,009 yards.

You might prefer I explore the possibilities of adding a sexy name like San Diego's Michael Turner, who also will be a free agent, or the prospect of selecting a back early in the draft. But here's my position on spending lavishly at running back: it's a risky proposition. Running back is a position that is predisposed to injury (see Cadillac). Your investment might turn out to be a lemon, especially when we're talking about a guy like Turner, who has never been a workhorse back because he plays behind LaDainian Tomlinson.

Your money is better spent on a game-breaking receiver or a stout offensive tackle -- though the Bucs appear solid at the latter position. The other part of my argument is this: running backs come a dime a dozen. Just look around the league at how many running backs you've never heard of are giving their teams a consistent rushing attack.

There's no right or wrong answer. This is just my opinion. Of course, I'm the one with the blog, so guess I have the upper hand :) Not to worry. Have your say and I'll chime in later.

Comments

[Chet]

Stephen,

I agree with spending the money on a game breaking WR. There are 8 underclassmen coming out for this years draft at RB, there has got to be a good pick there at either 20 or in the second round, if the Bucs plan to go that way.

I'm really down on Julius Jones, I felt he ran soft at times this year and I really think your over paying for a guy who wasn't a factor for them in the Giants game. I did like his brother when he was with the Bucs, but I don't see him as the same type of runner his brother is.

I'd rather see them spend the money for a (god willing) Moss, a grizzly Center or DT that can stack up the line so the LB's can make tackles late in the season. What about a CB as I would doubt Kelly will be kept and we did get beat quite a bit this year on 3rd and longs (passing).

The Key to getting a star WR is that I think we need to get more then 1 as I don't see Hilliard finding the fountain of youth again and the others are just filler.

[aaron]

i agree that we sould not go after a FA RB. I think we should resign Graham, and pittman. Then draft a rb in the middle part of the draft. a running back who should be avaiable in the 4th-5th round is Yvenson Bernard. He went to Oregon State University in the pac-10. he is their 2nd all-time leading rusher ahead of Stephen Jackson. he is a powerful runner despite being only 5'9" 202 lbs. he has amassed over 3800 yrd rushing in his 3 years starting at OSU. he caught over 36 passes in each of his 3 years starting. he is a great pass blocker also.
he will not go higher because of his height. but another PAC-10 rb came out a couple years ago who was shorter at 5'7" & 212lbs, Maurice Jones-Drew, and we all have seen what he can do. durability is not an issue with bernard, he was the beavers workhorse carrying just under 300 times each of his 3yrs starting.
in addition to all of this he is last years 2nd rd pick, Sabby Piscatelli's, former highschool and college teammate. Yvenson (evan-son) Bernard is also from Boca Raton.
anyways i think we need a rb but not one that will cost a lot of $. he can be taken later in the draft and can come at a much cheaper price than a FA.
we could get a WR through FA, maybe a r. moss or berrian...

[Jay]

As I've said before, I would love nothing more than for the Bucs to trade for Ocho Cinqo (maybe a 3rd rounder to the Bengals for him?) to address the need for another playmaker at receiver. The others can be filled in at the draft, but we still need depth at center and DT. If Piscatelli can step up and have a Tanard Jackson like year, then I don't mind seeing Flip as a backup. I love Ronde and Kelley but we'll probably lose the latter to free agency, and Barber isn't getting any younger (he's not a liability yet) so drafting depth at the CB spot is probably warranted as well.

So to address the topic of the blog, I think Graham has earned his spot, and Bennett his secondary role. HOWEVAH (sorry, chanelling Stephen A. Smith), I wouldn't mind seeing Justin Fargas come in to compete. Between having the sons of Simms, Lott, and Huggy Bear on the team, I don't think we could go wrong.

Come on Jon, you know you want to shop at the Raiders free agency aisle one more time. Bring in Baby Huggy Bear!

[Stephen Holder]

Jay, I completely forgot about the Huggy Bear angle! Thanks for the reminder. I could milk that for a few stories I bet! One correction: Kelly is signed through 2008. He's slated to make $3.2-million in base salary this fall.

[Tom]

Jay,
I highly doubt that we could get Chad Johnson for a third round pick. I think it would take at least a first round, and a second round or two first rounders. We paid two first rounders for his loudmouth cousin.

Whoever we target as a RB needs to be able to run routes and catch effectively. Here's a question that has been burning in my mind on that issue... How can a RB not be able a catch a ball?

RBs are rarely asked to run deep complicated routes. We're talking about PROFESSIONAL athletes who can't catch 5-10 yard hook and swing routes?

[Jimmy G.]

Hoe about trading for a reciever? (Cahd Johnson). Give em a 1st and perhaps a third. We have the 20th pick,that player probably wont start anyway.....

Jimmy G .
Naples fla.

[Noel (Bahamas)]

I think that Michael Bennett does give us a good option behind Graham. He also showed his amazing speed during his limited playing time behind Graham. Given that Graham was a solid workhorse, I believe he will improve more. Cadillac will have to prove himself to get back into the rotation WHEN he returns from injury.

[Mike]

Yeah, 1st round picks hardly ever start. We should just throw in the secound rd pick too since theye probably won't start either. I wonder why the Glazers would hire Bruce Allen when guys like you are out there?

[IMISS_No47]

A good north/south bruising RB is much more valuable than a fancy-pants make-em' miss RB. Too bad the Bucs don't seem to get it. They put Pittman ahead of Thomas Jones...and then let him go. Look at the Saints and how Bush fared without bruiser Deuce McAllister. Please Bucs, please, don't make the same mistake twice. Put Graham ahead of fancy-pants RB's Williams, Bennett, & Pittman. Williams sells jerseys, Bennett is good for runs outside, and Pittman excels at pass-catching in the flat. But Graham is our man for running between the tackles!

[Jay]

Hey Stephen,

I didn't realize that Kelley had been extended, and that's a good thing, seeing as how Buchanon regressed during the end of the season. He's much better suited at nickel with Tanard in coverage. Oh, and you're welcome to work that Huggy Bear angle all you want. It doesn't hurt that Fargas is a great RB too.

As for Chad Johnson, I would only have to point out that the Patriots got Randy Moss for a 4th rounder from the Raiders.

Speaking of which, I believe Porter is a free agent now too, so it's not like there aren't quality WR's out there (I am not endorsing Walker in Denver).

I'm big on Ocho Cinqo because he's far more playful than his cousin, but he puts in the same herculean effort as Key did on the field. If you look at his stats, he still had a 1000+ year, which is his lowest production in quite a long time, but better than anything we've fielded lately. The Bengals seem enamored with TJ, so they have other options at WR other than Johnson. I still say a 3rd and maybe 7th rounder is more than fair, and we have the cap room to renegotiate his contract. The big thing is, he would add that playmaker threat that has been lacking on offense for the last few years.

Come on Stephen, you've got some pull with Allen, drop a bug in his ear and make it happen!

[Jason]

Dump stutter step Pittman, he never gets past the first tackler anyway, and cut our part time player Brian Kelly. I don't think he's played a full 16 games in the past 3 seasons. Depth at RB is always very important, but of all postions on the team this a young mans job. The backs that have long productive careers are rare.
I would like to see FA priorities be DT, (a run stuffer) Center, and most important WR's.
All the rest of our needs can be addressed in the draft.
The key is to think young. Continue the youth movement, and build the team with the future in mind.
For god sake's get Monte signed!!

[Bruce Allen...lol]

Why would I spen money on a free agent rb when I have to pay one on my roster this year a big ext and have a 1rd back on my roster? I wouldn't. I have a cheap and experienced back in Michael Pittman i can have for very little or the veteren minimum who has carried the load before or is capable. Also, I have a back in Bennett with something to prove who is the gamebreaker we are looking for? He isn't going to break the bank either. Darby is a back up plan as is gates. there won't be an explosive signing for a FA Rb because there is no need. WR and Center, thats different. But thats another conversation.

[the realist]

I would keep Pittman ..look at his stats the past five years, both rushing and receiving. The man does nothing but ball every game and give max effort. And to some of those fans..I watched Pittman break plenty of tackles when he was healthy this past year..(Rams game, 1st Carolina game)He was avg over 6 yards a carry before his injury..if we loose Pittman this offense will be in worst shape than it is now. And I dont even blame Pittman if he wants to leave..Gruden doesn't appreciate what he has in the guy.

[bruce Allen...lol]

Now, here is what I will do:

I miss having another DE Like Dewayne white, but I wasn't going to pay him and Spires isn't a passing threat so I will draft a DE in the second rd. I better keep Carter because Gruden can't lead them like Marinelli could.

I will draft no QB or sign one. I have a full backfiel already minus plummer. Simms and McNown will battle for the 2nd spot and I will trade the loser ...only if its Simms though.

I should just listen to Garcia and use the WR I have in Clayton and Stovall and sprinlkle in a little Galloway and Hilliard. Galloway is the game breaker, but I need playmaking possesion receivers. These two look good. Maybe I should just give them a chance. There both cheap and clayton has another year on his contract. Last chance for my first pick.

Going to draft a cornerback in the 1st round to replace kelly.I am not going to resign someone who can't stay on the field.

Maybe this is the year I finally replace the most consistent player on my o-line, C John Wade. resign him or Lehr. Free agency looks okay too.

Wow, still got a 3rd pick.

Gotta resign Penn, greg White and Stevens while I'm at it.

Trotter gone-backup mlb in. 4rd

Did I miss anything

[Stephen_Holder]

Bruce or, whoever you are, for the benefit of everyone else, Donald Penn and Greg White are exclusive rights free agents, which means they don't have the benefit of free agency. They aren't going anywhere unless the Bucs fail to make an offer to them and lose their rights to the players. Not gonna happen. I'm sure you're smart enough to prevent this, Bruce :)

[dfl]

We have one major need - SPEED.

Clayton does not have it. Nor does Hilliard. Nor does Warren (remember him?) Nor does Graham for that matter.

We must draft a speedy WR. We should keep Bennett. Pittman is a luxury we won't have a roster spot for. We need to sign a speedy free agent RB, Caddy won't be back all the way until 2009 and who knows what shape he will be in.

[John]

I gotta think Pittman will get more money elsewhere, so it's possible we try to replace him with a combination of Bennett and Darby. If we can get anything for Michael Clayton, I say take it now before it's too late. I'm thinking Sweed or Manningham in the 1st round, and a DT and CB (whichever has the highest rated player) in the 2nd and 3rd. I also like Aaron's take on Bernard in the later rounds.

[Duane Davis]

Drafting a WR or RB No.1 is just crazy. A runningback can't run or a WR catch if the back has no holes to run through or the QB has no time to throw the ball. I liked John Wade, but I believe his best days are behind him. Find the biggest, meanest, smartest, toughest center in the draft and go get him. They're not glamourous, but neither are great wifes.

[Josh]

i think taking yvenson bernard in the draft would be great, he is a good pass-catcher, who could go in on 3rd down s to spell graham, the take a WR in the first round, perhaps a mario manningham or desean jackson if he is available