Earlier this year the Buccaneers shocked their fan base and took DT Vita Vea from Washington with their first round pick in the 2018 draft. Then, knowing they desperately needed a RB, the Bucs took speedy Ronald Jones II from USC. Both picks were thought to be an integral part of the Bucs game plan this season. Yet two games into the season and neither player have taken a snap this season.
Vea, who shows tons of promise, has unfortunately been held out with a strained calf muscle. He hasn’t practiced with the team since being injured early in camp. When Vea finally recovers expect him to earn immediate snaps on the defense, and further solidfy an already scary looking defensive line.
The more concerning of the two Buc rookies is Ronald Jones II. He has been a healthy scratch the first two regular season games. Rumors around the league claim that Jones is having difficulty transitioning to a pro-style offense and just simply isn’t at the level that warrents him to be active on game day above other RB’s. This is worrisome, as the Bucs run game has stalled the last two games, with Peyton Barber averaging less than 3 yards per carry.
If Jones can’t adjust to this level of play soon, he will be considered another second round bust from GM Jason Licht, along with big 2nd round bust Roberto Aguayo, who Licht traded up to grab in the 2016 draft.
