It’s Ronald Jones, II, In Round 2

April 27th, 2018

The college running back most Bucs fans were not chatting about over beers was Ronald Jones II, and it’s only because he played 3,000 miles away at the University of Southern California.

That’s just how it is around SEC Country.

Jones is a game-breaker, a slasher type who also runs between the tackles. USC pounded him last year with 261 carries and he responded with 1,550 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground. (You can see all those TDs in the video below.)

In fact, Jones averaged 6.1 yards per carry through 591 college carries as a Trojan who was ready as a true freshman. The young man is just 20 years old.

Jones picked up unwanted notoriety when he pulled up with a hamstring issue during his 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine five weeks ago. But at his Pro Day, Jones ran a strong 4.48 time in the 40, though it’s unclear whether his hamstring was even 100 percent ready.

Joe sees Jones as an excellent complement to Peyton Barber. If the Bucs really believe in Barber (and Joe thinks they do), then it’s likely Tampa Bay has Jones as the No. 2 running back on their board after Saquon Barkley.

Former NFL team scout turned NFL Network year-round draft guru Daniel Jeremiah ranked Jones as the 20th best overall player in the the draft and calls him one of the most “explosive” players available.

“Jones is a threat to score every time he touches the ball and I love his toughness and upside in the passing game,” Jeremiah wrote.

Joe advises you to remember how much the Bucs talked about getting “explosive” last offseason, hence the signing of DeSean Jackson and then the drafting of O.J. Howard. But did the Bucs actually get more explosive in their performance?

Perhaps Jones completes their puzzle.

41 Responses to “It’s Ronald Jones, II, In Round 2”

  1. MadMax Says:

    YESSSS!!!!! All about Jones II!

  2. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Does this mean no more Joe screaming for a RB every year now?

  3. EA Says:

    Coach koetter will utilise this young fella to its full potential.

  4. bigbloc690 Says:

    NO NO NO NO..

  5. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    Love explosive. This offense should be fun to watch. Now if we can pick up a starting guard.

  6. feelthepewterpower Says:

    Matt Kelly is not impressed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1m2vVxWrlU

  7. Jay Says:

    Why Jones over Guice??

  8. Bird Says:

    Jones ranked 29 on his board.

    Geuce was much higher. Something has teams scared of geuce.

  9. Mord Says:

    I like it.

    How many teams used favorable talk about Guice as a smokescreen?

  10. Lord Corn Says:

    Love it

  11. Alvin Scissors Harper Says:

    Kid is a total stud. SC did not have a great O line. Great pick. So far Light is at least an “A” for this draft. No kickers or back up snappers please!

  12. TonyC Says:

    Don’t like this pick. I would have preferred a much more physical runner with an “edge.”

  13. Matt B Says:

    I be the rare Trojan and Bucs fan so I approve this pick!

  14. Tackleblockwin Says:

    This guy is gonna be a TD machine! Great pick!

  15. mark2001 Says:

    Seems to be in the mold of Dalvin Cook. Sounds like the Bucs did want to draft him in the second round last year, so they tried to rectify that this year.

  16. CT Bucs Fan Says:

    Great pick. I am very happy.

  17. CarrollwoodBucFan Says:

    Now let’s package a 3rd and 4th to move up and get Josh Jackson.

  18. Wesley Says:

    Looks legit to me.

  19. CarrollwoodBucFan Says:

    Now let’s package a 2nd and 4th to move up and get Josh Jackson.

  20. mark2001 Says:

    Bird… I think more and more teams are sensitive to character issues.

  21. SOEbuc Says:

    He looks like a Barkley running style. Agree with Joe he this speedy jukester will go well with Peyton Barber. Nice pick. And can finally stop talking about the RB BS.

  22. johnnybuc Says:

    love it

  23. Buccaneer scotty Says:

    Geis has character concerns and knee concerns according to Mike Mayock

  24. larrywoods3 Says:

    Guice hurt himself by telling three different stories about questions he was asked during the interview process, if I’m a team, that would give me pause too

  25. darin Says:

    Guice just came out with a bunch of made up accusations, or made up questions teams were asking him at combine. Already has a rap as very immature. Thats why be is sliding. Ronald Jones is high character and very good. Great pick.

  26. Jason Mclaurin Says:

    How come everyone we have drafted so far blew hamstrings running a 40 yd dash? Good pick up we needed a running back in that spot may not be the last we take this round either. Im looking for a speedy edge rusher to be the next pick

  27. Crazed Bucs Fan Says:

    Lame pick. I hope I’m wrong. Go Bucs.

  28. James Burson Says:

    As a Buc’s fan, read FANATIC, I am elated with our draft so far!

    Mount Vea and RoJo III!!!

    Actually, there were other scenarios I would have been just as happy with. These guys have both been on my radar for some time now.

    Now, Josh Jackson or Isaiah Oliver or Carlton Davis. Scratch Jackson as he was just taken.

    __________
    Go Bucs!!!

  29. Rene Says:

    good pick!

  30. Oneilbucs Says:

    USC running backs have not been good since Marcus Allen!!!!

  31. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    And so what if Jones is the next coming of Marcus Allen? Let’s watch him play a bit before we pass judgement.

    I hope we use Barber to pound it…he’s 25 lbs heavier than Jones. Share the workload and these two could become a dynamic tandem.

  32. Clw JB Says:

    Solid pick, great complimentary skill set to what we have – Sims signing is injury insurance, top 3 RB are in place now

  33. Oneilbucs Says:

    But our coaches will try to make him a passing back. If we don’t run them it don’t matter how good they can be . We pass to much that’s the problem with most of the bad teams in the NFL. We need 30 carries from the running game to win. Help the quarter back make it a team game not a Winston game….. That’s what football is all about not just quarter back!!!!!

  34. Oneilbucs Says:

    Football never changed . A good defense n running game win super bowls plan n simple!!!!!!!

  35. Ken Says:

    Bucs go All-Pac12 Draft! Let’s grab a CB from Colorado.

  36. Ptwalk Says:

    @Mark2001 you are absolutely right.

  37. Bradentonbuc Says:

    Hope he can turn those corners here too!

  38. Bucs Guy Says:

    I hope I’m wrong, but don’t like this pick. Soft, can’t catch or block and didn’t play well in big games against TX, OSU or ND. Other than that he looks OK.

  39. NFLNut Says:

    GREAT PICK!

    But, I hate the MJ Stewart pick … unless they plan to play him at safety … he’s short and slow for the CB position.

    Again, I LOVE THE ROJO II PICK THOUGH!

  40. LargoBuc Says:

    Jones will be a great spell for Barber. I was hoping we would land this guy.

  41. Ed Schwartz Says:

    Instincts and speed look good on tape. Very good vision finding the spaces. Only improvement it appears for him to make is to increase his lower body strength, legs look a little thin for NFL backs, bulk up a little to make it tougher to pull him down. The talent is there, just needs to get some more weight/muscle mass in upper legs. At 215 or 220 this guy will be better suited for NFL contact.