This Summer is all about putting the cart way ahead of the proverbial horse. On Bucs Wire, we will be previewing various angles and players who could emerge over the next year ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.
In a new series, we wanted to go through positions of need that are projected to rise for the Bucs in the 2027 NFL Draft. Those positions are running back, wide receiver, tight end, defensive line, and cornerback. The first one we will be discussing is running back.
The class in 2026 had some heavy hitters at the top, but it lacked depth. All of that can change in 2027 if the class shapes up the way we think it can. So with that, we have our eyes on five quarterbacks who could be targets for the Bucs at their projected draft spot.
Hollywood Smothers, Texas
Transferring to Texas from NC State, Hollywood Smothers hopes to have a Jahmyr Gibbs-type rise as he makes a similar jump from the ACC to the SEC. Smothers is explosive out of the backfield with his speed and ability to sustain long runs. On top of that, he shows reliable hands as a pass catcher, as well as good body control with the ball in his hands. He can be a dual-threat out of the backfield if a team wants to use him in such a way, perhaps that will be Texas in 2026.
Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami (FL)
While the Hurricanes’ defense had its rise to the top of the rankings during their playoff run last season, the offense played its part as well. The straw that stirred the drink for the Hurricanes was their running game, namely Mark Fletcher Jr. He was a battering ram for the Hurricanes during their playoff run, and he allowed them to control the time of possession and set the tone for the game. He is a strong runner, has a physical style, and is someone you can invest 20-25 touches a game into.
Jadan Baugh, Florida
To land Jadan Baugh, the Bucs may have to take him in Round 1 because he could be RB1 in the class. We did not list Ahmad Hardy and Kewan Lacy for the same reason, but Baugh may be the odd one out; they could land as an extreme value in Round 2. Baugh is a perfect blend of speed and power and could be a lead back for a team upon being drafted. The Bucs like the same blend they have in Bucky Irving, so if things fall apart, this would be a seamless transition to make in the backfield.
Raleek Brown, Texas
Raleek Brown declared for the 2026 NFL Draft before heading back to school and transferring to Texas from Arizona State. Brown has good contact balance, vision out of the backfield, and shows promise as a pass catcher. He may not be a full-blown RB1, but if they need someone in the committee they have built, he could be a fun piece to add to the mix.
DeSean Bishop, Tennessee
DeSean Bishop is a homerun hitter in every sense of the word. He gets big, chunk plays for the Volunteer offense and was a big reason their offense remained efficient early on in the season. They remain a pass-happy offense, but all that indicates to me is that someone could get a running back with fresh legs once he enters the NFL. 2026 is a big season for him, but the pieces are there for him to be a valuable day two pick for someone in 2027.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 5 running back prospects the Bucs should keep their eyes on in 2026
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
