“Perfect” Fit
July 5th, 2018
Getting the jump on Ronald Jones. (Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers.)
The Bucs had major holes last year that, with some coaching up and a wee bit of luck, could be plugged up.
On defense there was the cornerback opposite of Brent Grimes and defensive end. On offense, it was easily the lack of a strong running back.
Matt Brown of BSPN believes the running back hole was solved when Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht selected Ronald Jones in the second round.
Brown believes Jones was just about the “perfect” fit.
Jones has the one-cut, slashing style to fit in multiple NFL offenses. That jump-cut is nasty, and there is home run ability on his USC tape, too. Hit the edge and go. Plus, Jones has the traits to emerge as a dual-threat back in the Tampa system. While Jones’ smaller frame (6-foot, 205 pounds) could limit his total touches in the game plan, he filled a major need for the Bucs and brings the upside of a back who also can contribute quickly as a receiving option for quarterback Jameis Winston.
We shall see about the receiving option. No one told Joe this directly, but reading the body language of Bucs coach Dirk Koetter when asked about Jones during underwear football season, Koetter didn’t exactly fight to contain himself with praise about Jones catching the ball.
And there were a few practice plays when Jones was targeted that sort of made Joe wince.
Just going by Koetter’s (sketchy) history with rookie running backs, Joe guesses Jones averages 10-12 touches a game.
July 5th, 2018 at 12:27 am
For some reason I feel that Rojo needs to get in the Weight room and build his upper body and arms. He might have a problem holding on to the ball and stiff arming tacklers to the ground. I could be wrong, just something I noticed.
July 5th, 2018 at 1:16 am
With Jensen coming aboard I am hoping our OL gets a little bit nastier. I think with the extra half second Barber is gonna surprise a bunch of people. ROJO as the compliment will be exactly what this team needed when you add it to the dynamic receiving corps we have. Fitz can win 2!
July 5th, 2018 at 3:12 am
Licht should be bringing in another veteran runner right now. Going with just Barber is a huge mistake as Rodgers wasn’t that great when he last played. Jones’ durability will be the question along with Barber’s. Running game is still a weakness until they prove otherwise. Peterson would give the Bucs a solid presence off the bench. Overload the position to take some heat off the qbs. Hopefully, the OL has improved from last year as the Bucs will need to lean on the run game all season long.
July 5th, 2018 at 3:42 am
Do you remember when Sims was drafted and Howard David’s take?
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2014/07/hall-of-fame-chance-for-charles-sims/
Food for thought:
When MJ Stewart was drafted donte jackson, isiah Oliver and Derrius Guise were sitting on the board.
Redskins got Payne and Guice after licht passed, let’s see how that plays out.
July 5th, 2018 at 4:51 am
There’s a big difference between a screen swing pass coming out of the backfield and the long down the sideline over the shoulder wheel route passes that ROJO struggled with in OTAs. 98% of the routes he’ll be ask to do will be short swing, hooks or crossing passes so he will be fine.
July 5th, 2018 at 5:11 am
*Leading the receiver (RB) on a swing pass is key.
We have one QB that struggles with that and one that doesn’t.
July 5th, 2018 at 6:29 am
Season Is Over, the Bucs have multiple RBs on the roster currently. Another vet? Don’t need it. RB is one of the few positions that is plug and play. You can go young until you find the right guy.
July 5th, 2018 at 6:32 am
A lot the experts are calling him a bust. They don’t believe he can do it on this level which is nonsense.
July 5th, 2018 at 6:32 am
And how many years did it take Martin to learn how to catch? Like 2 years before his career with bucs was over
July 5th, 2018 at 6:34 am
And why not put him on a wheel route to stretch the defense? Defense will be lax in defending it because he doesn’t have the experience. We can catch defenses offguard.
July 5th, 2018 at 6:36 am
Also note that most is of the winning teams have used the running back out of the backfield as a weapon in the passing game. The Saints are usually near the tops in rb passes, and they dont just utilize it on third and long…
July 5th, 2018 at 6:37 am
RoJo and Barber need 125 yds/game between them to improve win chances
July 5th, 2018 at 6:40 am
Guice was the pick.
We will see.
July 5th, 2018 at 10:02 am
If Ronald Jones’ pass blocking on the third down isn’t up to snuff yet, that’s fine. Dirk Koetter and Todd Monken still have two downs every series to have him on the field creating a possible threat to take one to the house. So, put the man in on 1st and 2nd downs as another potential weapon the opposing defense must account for.
July 5th, 2018 at 10:43 am
Rojo will get upwards of 20 touches/game and win the Offensive ROY. Mark it downww
July 5th, 2018 at 11:39 am
Great pick. Way more juice than Guice. He’ll be fine catching swing passes and dump offs — and taking it to the house. His burst is ridiculous. Btw, he is also great in the red zone.
@Proudbucsfand. Rojo had 0 fumbles in 2017 with 261 touches and 1500+ yards. Rest easy.
July 5th, 2018 at 2:45 pm
I’m saying ROJO and Guice was the pick. Rojo was the first 2nd end pick and Guice with the second 2nd rnd pick. Or at least the 4.3 corner jeez
Thunder and lightning but wtfdik
July 5th, 2018 at 3:55 pm
When everyone was screaming for us to get Sony Michel I was like no no no absolutely no way we take ANY RB over Ronald Jones with the exception of Saquon. I’ve seen alot of Ronald Jones games and the guy is an absolute stud. Reminded me alot of Warrick Dunn. And we got him. Rest easy Bucs fans. Our running game won’t be an issue next year.