The Bucs second round selection, RB Ronald Jones II, has been listed a top 10 favorite to win rookie of the year honors according to The Score’s Michael McClymont. Jones is one of only two 2nd round talents that made the short list of favorites.
As of now Saquon Barkley is the unquestioned shoe-in to win the award. Between Barkley at one and Jones at seven you have QB’s like Mayfield, Rosen, Allen, Jackson, and a running back in Guice. You definitely could make an argument for each of these guys, but in the same breath you could argue Jones should be ranked higher.
It is encouraging though to see that people outside of One Buc Place and the Bucs fan base see some great potential in Jones. Michael McClymont from The Score expounded on his ranking saying, “The home-run threat fell into a position in which he will likely be the starting running back from Day 1. The Buccaneers own a ton of firepower offensively, but their running game let them down in 2017, finishing 27th in the league. Jones has all the explosion necessary to make an immediate impact, but there’s only one football to go around and Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and company will also be calling for theirs, limiting Jones’ touches.”
The Score seems skeptical that Jones will get adequate touches. Given the talent on offense it’s a warranted concern, but Koetter will more than likely keep on putting an emphasis on the run game. Which should give Jones plenty of opportunity’s.
At the very least Jones could be another key piece to help the Bucs offense fire on all cylinders this year, and at most he could be vying for ROTY. Considering that, Jones should excite a fan base that has had to endure up and down play at the position over the last few seasons.
Edited by Keith Larson
