EXPECTED COMPENSATORY PICK
ROUND 4: Miami RB Deejay Dallas
5-10, 210 – Junior

The 2020 NFL Draft is fairly deep at the running back position, and the Bucs could wait until Day 3 to select one. A back like Dallas would be an ideal fit in Tampa Bay where he could add more explosiveness and replace Barber as the tandem back to Jones. Dallas is a real talent and was underused at Miami, which is one of the reasons why the Hurricanes fired each of the last two offensive coordinators in back-to-back seasons.

Dallas’ junior season was cut short due to a dislocated elbow in late November, but his production improved each year and he was on pace to finish with perhaps 900 yards rushing had he stayed healthy and finished the 2019 campaign. Dallas has a nice blend of between-the-tackle toughness and enough speed to turn the corner and break off big runs in the open field due to his great vision.

Dallas emerged as a team leader over the past two seasons and was voted as a team captain during his junior year. He also became a better receiver and pass protector this past year, which only adds to his value at the next level as a potential three-down back.

Dallas’ Miami Career Rushing Stats
2017: 41 carries for 217 yards (5.3 avg.), 3 TDs
2018: 109 carries for 617 yards (5.7 avg.), 6 TDs
2019: 115 carries for 693 yards (6.0 avg.), 8 TDs

Dallas’ Miami Career Receiving Stats
2017: 4 catches for 92 yards (23 avg.)
2018: 10 catches for 85 yards (8.5 avg.)
2019: 14 catches for 140 yards (10 avg.), 2 TDs

Dallas was also a factor in the return game for the Hurricanes, with 20 career kick returns for 420 yards (21 avg.), and 11 punt returns for 191 yards (17.4 avg.) with one touchdown. The Bucs could use help in the return game as well as in the backfield, and Dallas would be quite a pick up on Day 3 for Tampa Bay.