With the Bucs set to kick off training camp in two weeks, it’s time to break down the battles that will be going on in camp. I’ll have a new position group every other day leading up to training camp. This past weekend I covered the battles at wide receiver. Today we’ll look at the running back position.

This may be one of the easiest positions in terms of predicting who will actually be on the roster, but there is no clear-cut starter. Leonard Fournette is back on a one-year deal, Ronald Jones II enters the final year of his rookie contract and the Bucs brought in versatile running back Giovani Bernard. Last year’s third-round pick Ke’Shawn Vaughn rounds out the group, along with veterans Troymaine Pope and C.J. Prosise. Vaughn is the only back signed beyond the 2021 season.

Starting Spot Up For Grabs

The battle for the starting job between Jones and Fournette is one of the most anticipated of camp. With starters locked in at virtually every position but running back, all eyes will be here. After a rough start, Fournette ended last season on a hot streak during the playoffs. Dubbed “Playoff Lenny”, he finished with 300 yards rushing and 148 receiving while adding four total touchdowns in four games. After failing to experience the same kind of success Jones had in the regular season, Fournette will look to build off what he accomplished in the postseason.

As for Jones, he was just 22 yards shy of posting the first 1,000-yard season in his career. He would’ve eclipsed that mark had it not been for an injury and a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Jones showed that he can carry a majority of the load with nearly 200 rush attempts and a 5.1 yards per carry average. However, he still has not proven to be a fully capable three-down back, falling short in pass blocking and receiving duties.

Bruce Arians has said the starting running back job will be a wide-open competition this summer.

Battle For Third Down Role

While it appears Bernard is going to seamlessly step into this role given his prior success, nothing is guaranteed. Bernard is one of the best pass-protecting backs in the league, an area in which the team has struggled in prior seasons. He’s also one of the most accomplished receiving backs in the NFL, having totaled at least 30 receptions in each of his eight seasons. Bernard showed his commitment to the team earlier in the offseason by joining both Tom Brady’s workouts and the team’s OTAs. Having a player of Bernard’s ilk should open up more options in the Bucs’ passing game.

Vaughn has drawn praise from Arians this offseason for the work he has put in. He’ll look to make his mark after a less-than-stellar rookie campaign. Vaughn’s up-and-down rookie season contained a game-winning touchdown, a costly fumble, three drops and a 69-yard performance against the Lions. However, Vaughn has focused on the things he needs to do to get better. He’ll need to be a more consistent contributor for the Bucs special teams if he hopes to see the field on Sundays. If Arians’ prediction of a breakout year comes to fruition, Vaughn could challenge Bernard for the third down back role soon.

Best Of The Rest

Running backs C.J. Prosise and Troymaine Pope round out the rest of the roster. Prosise was signed to the Bucs practice squad on January 6, where he spent three weeks with the team before being released on the 29th. He was subsequently re-signed to the team on February 12.

Prosise has never lived up to his third round status after dealing with injuries his entire career. He faces long odds to make the roster. Pope faces an even steeper climb to make the team. Pope’s best chance of sticking with the Bucs is to make an impact on special teams and the return game.

The Verdict

It appears the Bucs are set to head into the season with only four running backs on the active roster. While training camp cuts could make quality players available, the backfield is already loaded with talent.

At the top of the roster the battle for the No. 1 job should be a fun competition to follow throughout camp. While I envision the true starter will rotate based on the hot hand and the matchup, it remains to be seen who gets the bulk of first team reps.

Bernard should be the go-to back on obvious passing downs due to his receiving and blocking prowess. Vaughn’s development as the only current long-term option on the roster will be something to monitor as well. While Fournette is a worthy competitor, I believe Jones will be named the team’s starting back. The USC product is limited as a three-down back, but he is the best pure runner of the group. While Fournette’s playoff performance is fresh in people’s minds, Jones will be the better back again in 2021.

On Wednesday, the next installment in my training camp battles will continue with the Bucs offensive line.