2012 NFL Free Agents: Tampa Bay Buccaneers a Fit for RB Mike Tolbert?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have long been connected with Alabama running back Trent Richardson as their potential No. 5 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

But before the draft takes place at the end of April, the Buccaneers may be able to find a fit for their running back need in free agency. One name to keep your eye on is San Diego's free-agent running back Mike Tolbert, according to Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times.  

"A potential fit," Holder tweeted while promoting his upcoming free agency article on running backs. "Strengths are short yardage, pass pro -- also Blount's weaknesses."

The Buccaneers appeared headed to a running-back-by-committee approach in 2012 under new head coach Greg Schiano. Incumbent starter LeGarrette Blount is just one piece of that puzzle, and the Bucs have yet to find a capable No. 2 back to compliment the big, bruising interior runner. 

As Holder states, Tolbert is a fit for that role because he can convert short-yardage situations, block a blitz in pass protection and handle himself catching the football out of the backfield.

According to Pro Football Focus, Tolbert averaged four yards a carry and 2.4 yards after contact, making him an ideal candidate to win short-yardage situations. He also gave up just one sack in 57 pass-blocking opportunities and caught 54 passes for 433 yards.

Tolbert may come with some competition on the open market, however. As a third-down back capable of handling multiple roles, Tolbert could command a contract just below the four-year, $14 million deal Darren Sproles soaked out of the New Orleans Saints last offseason.

Either way, the Bucs look destined to grab a back sometime this spring.  

Blount's frustrating lack of versatility makes it an almost certainty that Tampa Bay will address the position through either the draft or free agency. 

Richardson could be the every-down back that the Bucs covet, but they'd have to use the No. 5 overall pick—a valuable selection—to take him. As the running back position continues to devalue, it may not make sense for the Bucs to pull the trigger on Richardson that high.

Acquiring Tolbert will free up Tampa Bay to take a player such as LSU's Morris Claiborne at No. 5. The Bucs could sign Tolbert and still find another younger player later in the draft, too.

Once free agency begins, we'll get a better idea of how much the Buccaneers truly value Richardson at No. 5 overall. Avoiding a back like Tolbert on the open market might signal their intention to grab Richardon with their first pick.