2011 NFL Draft: Can 6th Rounder, RB Allen Bradford Improve Buccaneers' Offense?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' sixth round selection, running back Allen Bradford of USC, raises more eyebrows than it does hopes.

To me, Allen Bradford is the most intriguing of all of Tampa Bay's picks in the 2011 NFL draft.

If you read any of my articles before the draft, (which you should totally do, by the way), then you know that a smaller, receiving running back might have made more sense.

At 5'11", 235 pounds, Bradford is very similar to Bucs' current running back LeGarrette Blount. Blount led the Buccaneers with over 1,000 yards rushing last year, but was ineffective as a receiver and did little for the pass blocking game, causing Tampa Bay to struggle on third downs.

Coming into the draft, selecting a receiver to fit this third down roll could have been viewed as a better option.

That being said, Bradford does have potential to positively affect the Buccaneer offense in the future. As a converted defensive player at USC, he averaged six yards per carry and 26 touchdowns in his NCAA career. His senior campaign ended with five scores and a staggering 7.2 yards per carry.

All of this sharing time at the position.

He is effective between the tackles and can contribute immediately in short yardage situations, but isn't the compliment they needed for Blount, as he excels in these roles as well. Bradford lacks the speed and receiving skills that Tampa was missing from the backfield last season.

It is possible for him to get some playing time, and he will definitely push Blount to become a better player. And he is a good security pick in the case that Tampa comes down with the number of injuries they have had in the past few seasons.

All in all, depending highly on playing time, Bradford could put up some points in goal line situations and could see three or four touchdowns in his rookie year.

One thing is certain though: When it comes to a power run game, it'll be hard to compete with the Buccaneers backs this season.