Just because a player did not get drafted does not mean that their football journey stops there. Every team finds undrafted gems out of nowhere that not only make the team but make an impact. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are no exception. A year ago, undrafted free agent Christian Izien started four games for Tampa and played in all 17. He alternated between playing safety and slot corner and helped the Bucs win the NFC South. Kentucky running back Ramon Jefferson is a candidate to follow in Izien's shoes and make an impact on the team as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
1 undrafted free agent who will make Buccaneers' roster
Ramon Jefferson can wind up making the Bucs' roster for a few reasons. For one, he proved during his interesting college career that he can play. He began at the University of Maine where he rattled off 1,037 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman. Jefferson then transferred to Sam Houston State where he played for two seasons. In that span, he posted 1,907 yards and 20 touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
Jefferson dominated the FCS level, so he wanted to prove himself at a higher level. Jefferson went on to transfer yet again to the University of Kentucky in 2022. Unfortunately for him, he never quite to showcase his skillset in Lexington. Jefferson tore his ACL in his Kentucky debut in 2022 against Miami Ohio after carrying the ball only two times.
The Wildcats eased him back into action in 2023, especially after acquiring former Temple and Vanderbilt running back Ray Davis out of the transfer portal. Jefferson wound up toting the ball only 28 times last season, but did good work with the limited carries he got. He turned those opportunities into 184 yards and a 6.6 yards per carry. Jefferson averaged 6.14 yards per carry for his entire college career. That's solid.
The Kentucky connection
Jefferson didn't hear his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft, but he did get a minicamp tryout with the Bucs. He made a strong impression because he turned that into an NFL contract. Tampa wanting him around makes sense because he has familiarity with their coaching staff.
Liam Coen was hired as the Bucs' offensive coordinator this offseason after Dave Canales left that post to become the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Where was Coen before becoming Tampa's offensive coordinator? That's right: the University of Kentucky.
Coen knows Jefferson quite well and vice versa. Why wouldn't the Bucs want someone in their building who already knows the playbook that Coen wants to install? It just makes a lot of sense and gives Jefferson a leg up on his competition for one of the final roster spots at the position.
Jefferson is not going to supplant Rachaad White as the starting running back for Tampa Bay. White's yards per carry average from a year ago (3.6) doesn't put to justice how good he was for them last season. However, it wouldn't be crazy for Jefferson to work his way into being the number two back. Tampa did draft Oregon's tackle-breaking machine Bucky Irving in the fourth round, but Jefferson graded out as a better athlete than Irving during the pre-draft process.
After Irving, the Bucs' depth chart at running back consists of Chase Edmonds and Sean Tucker. Edmonds also averaged 3.6 yards per carry last season, but was nowhere near the receiving threat out of the backfield that White was. White averaged 8.58 yards per reception, while Edmonds was down at 5.76. Tucker was even worse in both categories.
It is hardly an arduous path for Jefferson to make this roster. His familiarity with Coen's offense can only help him. He's someone to keep an eye on in training camp and preseason.
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