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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 UDFA’s that could have an impact

By Dillon Appleman

PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 22: Anthony Johnson #83 of the Buffalo Bulls catches a pass as Avery Young #20 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defends and Damon Hayes #22 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights looks on during the second quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 22: Anthony Johnson #83 of the Buffalo Bulls catches a pass as Avery Young #20 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defends and Damon Hayes #22 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights looks on during the second quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 21: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 26-23. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 21: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 26-23. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Bruce Anderson, RB, North Dakota State

Perhaps the biggest question mark on the Tampa Bay roster is the running back position. Their leading rusher from last season was Peyton Barber, who ran for 871 yards but averaged just 3.7 ypc. While he does return in 2019, Barber just isn’t meant to be an every-down back.

That role was initially thought to be filled by 2018 second round pick Ronald Jones, but he wasn’t able to get on the field last season and even when he did, he really struggled. That’s why it was so surprising to see the Buccaneers ignore the deep group of running backs in this class during the draft.

They didn’t come away empty handed though, as they were able to land one of the more accomplished backs that were still available once the draft concluded.

Bruce Anderson was a big part of three FCS national championship teams with North Dakota State and was voted team captain in 2018. He averaged an impressive 7.5 YPC in his final season with the Bison and finished his career with nearly 3,000 yards on the ground.

Anderson shows some three-down running back traits at the next level and with some coaching, he could earn a real role on a team without an identity at the position.

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