With the AAF calling it quits after eight games into the season, should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take a look at players from the Orlando Apollos?
After the AAF dissolved, there were many players available to join other teams in the NFL. Garret Gilbert, the Orlando Apollos quarterback and the best quarterback in the league was signed by the Cleveland Browns.
Here is a list of players that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should consider for the upcoming 2019 season.
Running Backs
With the Bucs running game less than stellar, the team would be wise to take look at D’ernest Johnson and De’Veon Smith. Johnson ran for 372 yards and averaged 5.8 yards a carry with two touchdowns. Smith ran for 345 yards six touchdowns and averaged 4.6 yards per carry.
The Bucs currently have Peyton Barber, Ronald Jones, and Andre Ellington as their three running backs that will get the majority of playing time. However, it never hurts to take a look at some other talent across the league. Johnson and Smith just may give the Bucs running game the boost they are looking for.
Wide Receivers
Although the wide receiver position is pretty solid with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Breshad Perriman; Charles Johnson and Jalen Marshall were excellent for the Apollos.
Johnson had 45 catches for 687 yards and three touchdowns, while Marshall had 26 catches for 364 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson could be a nice number 3 or 4 wide receiver and would help replace the production of Adam Humphries.
Defensive Players
Linebacker Terrance Garvin was one of the best defensive players in the AAF. Gavin had three picks for the Apollos with 45 tackles. With the Bucs linebacking group taking a huge hit this off-season, Garvin could come in and given a chance make a good contribution to this defense.
As the Bucs continue to waffle on the Gerald McCoy situation there is a defensive lineman from the Apollos worth considering.
Earl Okine had five tackles and was consistent at getting pressure on the quarterback. Andrew Ankrah another defensive lineman from the Apollos was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles this week. This shows that there are players worth considering by other teams in the NFL. Every year there is a lot of movement on the bottom half of the roster during OTA’s and mini-camp.
The Bucs would be wise to bring these Apollo players in for a tryout. By taking a second look at these players, they may just find that next Chris Godwin or Carl Nassib.
