Jason Licht Quotes Buccaneers Coaches, “What The Heck Happened To Ronald?”
March 4th, 2019
Not every whiff in the NFL Draft is explainable.
And yeah, when Team Glazer expects a player to give the Tampa Bay offense a different and needed dimension immediately and he doesn’t, that’s a whiff.
Joe’s talking about running back Ronald Jones, last year’s No. 38 overall pick in the draft. Jones struggled in the spring, summer and fall.
In fact, per Jason Licht, Jones’ fall from stardom at the University of Southern California had the new Bucs coaches demanding answers.
“Bruce and our entire offensive staff, you know, it’s one of the first guys they talked about, “What the heck happened to Ronald? He was a good football player,” Licht told SiriusXM NFL Radio last week in Indianapolis.
Man, how telling is that. But it also offers a glimpse into how well thought of Jones was coming out of college.
Licht also said about Jones what he said to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, that Jones really needs a confidence boost and might have been a bit overwhelmed entering the NFL at 20 years old. Also, per Licht, Jones had an inordinate amount of bad luck when it came to getting hit in the backfield after breakdowns around him.
Jones will get another shot this season. Hopefully, he was just the classic overwhelmed rookie. But Joe can’t accept Licht talking about Jones getting drafted at 20 years old. Lich drafted the guy with a premium pick and evaluated Jones as being mentally and physically ready to contribute immediately.
Joe was told multiple times that Jones had playbook issues last season.
How Jones performs when official team training and meetings resume on April 1 could affect how the Bucs approach the draft at running back. If Jones doesn’t look like revitalized by a new coaching staff in a hurry, the position could become a priority if it isn’t already.
March 4th, 2019 at 2:39 pm
I look for him to be the Bucs comeback player this year. Not saying he’s going to the pro-bowl. It’s just the expectations are so low for him he can’t help but look better. As long as he bought a jugs machine and used it everyday.
March 4th, 2019 at 2:41 pm
PR soft talk handling the kids ego….well at least he has had a year to get the playbook down….Oh wait !….seriously I hope RoJo finds his MoJo….
March 4th, 2019 at 2:44 pm
how do you play football for maybe 10 years and cant catch a frigging screen pass. I have to think jones’ issue is between his ears. The guy played at USC, that’s pretty impressive, I hope the new staff can help him find his rojo(mojo)..haha
March 4th, 2019 at 2:47 pm
Hopefully year two is better for RoJo.
His play was uninspiring last year, to say the least.
March 4th, 2019 at 2:50 pm
great organizations provide the tools necessary for their players to succeed even for the dumbarses
March 4th, 2019 at 2:58 pm
It took all of 1 play to see the guy can’t catch a football. And he was supposed to be change of pace. AP couldn’t catch either, but he’s AP getting 25 carries a game. Did Licht not throw this guy a darn ball during work outs?? Again, Peyton was supposed to be the early down guy and Rojo the change of pace.
Licht. IDIOT.
March 4th, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Nowhere to run when your o line sucks at run blocking
Which makes Licht look even more inept when the Bucs will have over 34 million wrapped up in 3 o linemen who can’t open up a bag of chips together
March 4th, 2019 at 3:01 pm
From my perspective……Jones got so few carries that when he was put in the game, it screamed “HAND THE BALL OFF TO ROJO”……and the defenses were ready. We had a perfect opportunity to correct that late in the season….but failed to let him get carries……very poor coaching indeed.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:02 pm
Get him some balls in space and watch his confidence improve. Hopefully the rest of his game will follow.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:04 pm
Per Rotoworld…via The Athletic (pretty reputable outfit)
The Athletic’s Connor Hughes reports the Jets, Eagles and Bucs are expected to be among the team interested in free agent Le’Veon Bell.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:06 pm
I recall a few days ago one respected person saying the major problem with Jones was he never had a chance, almost always put into impossible situations involving bad play call, abominable blocking, if any and failing blocking schemes. Mention this as an add-on to Joe’s post to suggest one size doesn’t fit all.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:11 pm
Ronald Jones so far as shown that he was a worse draft pick than Roberto Aguayo. At least Aguayo helped the Bucs win a game. Ronald Jones quite literally did nothing for the Bucs. What is it with Backstabbin’ Jason Licht’s penchant for drafting players that aren’t mentally ready?
March 4th, 2019 at 3:13 pm
Don’t waste your money on Bell. He sat out a whole year. RBs are dime a dozen. Rojo was a bad bad pick.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:14 pm
@ TBBF
if we as fans knew it, of course the other team knew it was coming. ROJO in the game, they were going to hand it off to him and the defense knew it.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:17 pm
Its was either coaching or him or maybe both. Snoopy McPlaybook part 2? We will find out soon. Remember he comes from a town without a soul.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:18 pm
The kids deserves another shot with a new coaching staff…but not at the expense of boosting the talent at the position.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:22 pm
Even the “highlights” on Jones from college were less than impressive. Small legs & upperbody…I would be beyond shocked if he was ever a meaningful contributor.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Really hoping for a major bounce back for RoJo in 2019.
He had what? 1.9 yard rushing average and stone hands for Koetter’s BS crew. He looked like a Kareem Hunt going into the draft being able to get in open field and dart up field. If he comes back with 2.0 rushing average and those hands haven’t been healed, we’ll know doubt know he’s a buster.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:25 pm
@Loyaltotheend
Its actually 41 million since they will likely bring back Benenoch and Dots. And those are just the starters. This franchise is so lost. Caleb Benenoch=Salon doors. There was even one point where this dude couldn’t even block a guy who was on the ground already?! But yeah lets play him at Tackle in 2019 cause that’s gonna work. #Shame
March 4th, 2019 at 3:34 pm
I said it, repeatedly, last year after reading his “training camp diary” on another site. The guy isn’t intelligent. In fact, he is dumb. Everything he wrote was unintelligible. He does not understand spelling, grammar or sentence structure. That is an indictment of USC. He is another coddled athlete who never could/would make it through college without his athletic skill set. How could that not be identified, by the organization, in pre-draft interviews? After reading his “diary”, I knew he wouldn’t be able to absorb an NFL playbook. Check my postings from last spring. This isn’t college football where you play for USC against McNeese State. This is the NFL. It takes intelligence and commitment. Sadly, he doesn’t have it.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:35 pm
If our Running backs, our Oline and DBs all do well this years, then it tells how awful some of the coaches were last season. I seriously believe we had some of the worst coaches in the league. Most of them failed to teach or help any of the rookies or young guys transition to the NFL. It is refreshing to see a batch of coaches this year.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:38 pm
Hope they take a look at Devine Ozigbo from Nebraska. Big, strong, cuts well and good hands. Over 1100 yds., almost 7 yds/carry.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:42 pm
Alabama Bucs fan;
Absolutely,think about it,Koetter and Smith were together in Jacksonville when the Jags stunk.It seems only one of the two improved.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:54 pm
Even when a pick doesn’t “produce” they show you glimpses of what’s in store with more carries and more experience. He showed NOTHING! Usually a touted 2nd round RB shows you something.
I hope I’m wrong but, right now it doesn’t look promising.
March 4th, 2019 at 3:59 pm
I’m not at all impressed with Ozigbo as some are on this site. I understand why he wasn’t invited to the combine. He is another Peyton Barber, just not as good as Peyton Barber…..PASS! I’m with the few who thinks Ronald Jones will be next year what he was supposed to be.
March 4th, 2019 at 4:00 pm
I said this last year during training camp, Jones has a history of having learning issues when he was at USC. USC had scripted plays for Jones and in the end its all about execution something this Buc team does not do well. Execute. Once upon a time, there was a Buc HC who said he was in favor of it (execution).
This OL stinks and it shows in the running game. I would encourage anyone to go back and look at the all-22 and all of Jones’s run plays…..please tell me what 2 plays he had any space to run or there was not a blown assignment that left the defender in the backfield. Find me 2 plays! Please!
My second point is historically there are not many 2nd round RBs that make an impact in their rookie year. Its pretty rare and I will argue that if a rookie RB does do well (Kamara-Hunt) go look at the OL and let me know if it was the difference maker as to why they did well.
Here at Buc ball, we have a way over-rated LT, an overpaid C who does not know when and how to be physical, Marpet took a step back last year (mostly cuz he was out of position/learning) and a RG Bene-who that acts like a saloon door….and what result were we really expecting?
March 4th, 2019 at 4:01 pm
Well Licht has made just about every mistake a GM can make so if he learns from them…….we should have a stellar draft/FA class this year.
Right?
March 4th, 2019 at 4:03 pm
I said this last year during training camp, Jones has a history of having learning issues when he was at USC. USC had scripted plays for Jones and in the end its all about execution something this Buc team does not do well. Execute. Once upon a time, there was a Buc HC who said he was in favor of it (execution). Did this coaching staff (Klueless) design any plays for him that were based off his college success? No.
This OL stinks and it shows in the running game. I would encourage anyone to go back and look at the all-22 and all of Jones’s run plays…..please tell me what 2 plays he had any space to run or there was not a blown assignment that left the defender in the backfield. Find me 2 plays! Please!
My second point is historically there are not many 2nd round RBs that make an impact in their rookie year. Its pretty rare and I will argue that if a rookie RB does do well (Kamara-Hunt) go look at the OL and let me know if it was the difference maker as to why they did well.
Here at Buc ball, we have a way over-rated LT, an overpaid C who does not know when and how to be physical to avoid the yellow flag, Marpet took a step back last year (mostly cuz he was out of position/learning) and a RG Bene-who that acts like a saloon door….and an aging Dot….and what result were we really expecting?
March 4th, 2019 at 4:10 pm
I found a video on YouTube called Ronald Jones highlights preseason. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YpghL8pduI4
Some of these plays he had no chance because the O-Line was just awful. But there are a few where he just lacked vision. Let’s see how season 2 goes. No lack of effort on his part. He gives it his best.
March 4th, 2019 at 4:20 pm
BA already has copyrights to the book: The Running Back Whisperer
Amazon is accepting pre-orders now.
No kidding. Search Amazon and see for yourself.
March 4th, 2019 at 4:21 pm
Monday, Dec 03, 2018 03:18 PM, Titans Sign RB Jeremy McNichols off Broncos’ Practice Squad. Sometimes it takes a little time.
March 4th, 2019 at 4:40 pm
All you uranus’s that claim this Oline sucks do realize it’s basically the same cast that was blocking for Martin when he finished 2nd in rushing a few years back right. Look grown men aren’t excited about performing for someone they don’t view as a legitimate leader. Cookie Koetter was trash and the team responded as such. It’s why BA is saying just give me last season’s team and I’ll show you folks what kookie was klueless as to what he had.
March 4th, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Rojo is a bust. Maybe Bucs keep him for depth because of low salary. Pass on Bell. Several good backs available with second round pick…they just need to do the homework this time around.
March 4th, 2019 at 5:17 pm
@Joe … “Joe was told multiple times that Jones had playbook issues last season.” Apparently NFL playbooks are more complex than college playbooks. One would think that scouts & GMs would make real good & sure that any 2nd rounder has the capacity to pick learn the team’s playbook rather quickly. If their evaluation BEFORE the draft determines that they’ll have difficulty, the’s a BIG PASS in my book. And especially if you’re the Buccaneers who NEED our 1st & 2nd rounders each year to contribute immediately. It’s not like we’re the deepest team in the league.
March 4th, 2019 at 5:17 pm
Oline had tbe wrong mindset, instilled by klueless. Anyone pointing a finger at Jones needs to watch all his carries. Not saying he played well but man, hard to run when you cant even get to the line of scrimmage before 3 guys are on ya. The oline will look much different and will have a new mindset for sure. Run blocking wont look like pass blocking anymore.
March 4th, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Ronald Jones was awful from start to finish. To any apologists out there, the dude was beaten out by an undrafted rookie in Shaun Wilson, who LOOKED BETTER THAN HIM like all of the other RB’s did.
If RoJo wasn’t a Licht second round pick, like Aguayo was, he wouldn’t have made the regular season roster in the first place. Bad pick by a bad GM.
March 4th, 2019 at 5:43 pm
DR, right on, i mean who interviewed rojo, 2 years in a row licht flubs at drafting an RB who can comprehend their right from left
March 4th, 2019 at 5:55 pm
Could it be that Jones was terrible at pass blocking, so Koetter only used him on running downs. And defenses figured this out?
March 4th, 2019 at 6:03 pm
Playbook issues? The kid would get the ball and get immediately hit by 3 defenders – I’m pretty sure that’s no in the playbook.
Anywho I hated the pick, not so much Jones himself but the idea of taking a RB that high when the team didn’t need one and had Conte and Ryan Smith as starters at the time. The pick was a luxury pick and, so far, a bad one. In addition no one that I saw had Jones ranked that highly, plus just watching his running style they should have known he was a poor fit for Dirk’s offense since Jones seems to need a couple of steps to get to speed and doesn’t have that stop and go quickness.
Best of luck however, I’d like to think Licht didn’t blow yet another 2nd rounder.
March 4th, 2019 at 6:21 pm
Jones was a bad pick by Licht on multiple levels….a 2nd rd RB is expected to be able to contribute. Jones didn’t play special teams, he couldn’t catch well and wasn’t able to grasp the playbook. At a minimum, he should be on special teams.
Will he work out?….Probably. But Licht has handicapped the past staffs with terrible picks that simply take too long to develop. He drafts Spence for a 4-3 defense when it seems pretty clear he was best suited for a 3-4. Aguayo lasted 2 TERRIBLE seasons….Winston was suspended. ASJ was immature. Hargreaves is at best a nickel corner. Stewart is now a safety? There’s clearly something flawed in his process of player selection.
March 4th, 2019 at 6:31 pm
Constant repetition.
You people who think the Bucs are going to draft a RB in the first three rounds are flat out idiots. “I’m not about rebuilding I’m about reloading.”-BA
With that being said, they’re not going to get another potential bust in the second or third round when we do need to “rebuild” the right side of the oline and the defense. Apparently Don is sticking around at LT.
The way it should be:
Round 1: LB Devin White (LSU)
Round 2: OG Chris Lindstrom (Boston College)
Round 3: DE/DT
Splash FA:
RT Ja’Wuan James (Dolphins)
March 4th, 2019 at 6:57 pm
I think anyone that is familiar with Koetter predicted this would happen . I remember media members picking him for rookie of the year and someone I know asked what I thought ? I said not a chance and will be lucky to have one , hundred game , 500 yards and will have less than 8 carries a game .He of coarse said I was nuts and I said your thinking of Jones skill as a rb and I am thinking of Koetters mind set , offense and history !!! I also said Licht and the Glazers better demand the offense gets him twelve carries but Licht won’t push Koetter and the Glazers havnt a clue and there was a high probability that Koetter ruins the Guy with his long routes and my backs are blockers approach . Yet they have yet to make protecting the qb priority 1 . Again I say see Indy ca New England !!! Btw New England backs catch the sht out of the ball so Brady’s superior protection isn’t from backs , it’s priority one !!
March 4th, 2019 at 6:58 pm
Ronald J. has gotta show up this season. Or else..Give him the Dump in the Bay baby! The little I saw of him was quite non-impressive. I think we’re gonna know and see real quick like under Arians. Jones thus far has been a complete Bust.
March 4th, 2019 at 7:04 pm
I saw a picture of jones running through the line with his eyes focused down. You cannot run looking down! Some guys got IT, some don’t.
March 4th, 2019 at 7:10 pm
We are such a young team, 20 y/o kid-my 21 year old barely wipes his own rear without Mommy there
I bet the kids grows into a role – he has legit speed
Coach em up BA!!
March 4th, 2019 at 7:26 pm
wow benny snell loks good as well!
March 4th, 2019 at 7:33 pm
He was effective in college. I’m sure he has the ability. The coaching and blocking will be better. If he fails again he will move on to a new career. I wish him well in either case.
March 4th, 2019 at 7:47 pm
What ever happened to Sims? At least he would bust off a few big plays.
March 4th, 2019 at 8:22 pm
cut RoJo while you don’t have that much invested in him. RoJo is a reflection of how bad and clueless Licht is. Last years draft was awful. A d-lineman that started to figure it out and a running back afraid to make contact. That draft will come back to haunt us later on. We could have had 2 quality starters instead we ended up with a lineman that appears out of shape and a running back that cant run or catch. Brilliant!!
March 4th, 2019 at 9:06 pm
He’s exactly who he was in college. Can’t catch, needs big running lanes. Licht screwed the pooch on this and hasn’t adequately addressed the running back position.
But don’t worry, we have a new coach.
March 4th, 2019 at 9:12 pm
@Joe … “But Joe can’t accept Licht talking about Jones getting drafted at 20 years old. Lich drafted the guy with a premium pick and evaluated Jones as being mentally and physically ready to contribute immediately.”
RoJo was 20 when he was drafted Joe, but 21 when the season started. Plus he at least got 3 years of college football at USC; unbelievably some are being drafted with only 2 years of college football. Oh wait, that’s Jameis. My bad.
Reality is that RoJo was NOT a #38 talent. Little experience catching the ball out of the backfield, little experience as a blocking back, and little experience on S/Ts. Explosive yes, but #38 picks need to be a lot more versatile than he was. And figuring out whether he’d have any trouble learning an NFL playbook should’ve been a no-brainer for any qualified scouting group. BA & company may be able to ‘resurrect him’ but the bigger question is ‘Why should they have to?’ As a #38 pick he should’ve been able to contribute significantly last year right from the git-go.
March 5th, 2019 at 12:53 am
He is a kid, with a maturity grade at about 16. What is Licht doing to shepherd this poor child? He brought this kid from California and it is clear he is totally lost. He needs extra guidance, something which the Bucs are unable to provide. Sad.
March 5th, 2019 at 6:10 am
“He’s young”, “he’s 20 years old”!!!
It’s freakin’ football people!
March 5th, 2019 at 8:36 am
Kyle Says:
March 4th, 2019 at 2:44 pm
“how do you play football for maybe 10 years and cant catch a frigging screen pass.”
Andrew Says:
March 4th, 2019 at 2:58 pm
“It took all of 1 play to see the guy can’t catch a football. ”
Hey! Watch all his plays, people! He did better when given more opportunities.
This is one area I feel Todd blew it. He called plays in all the games but one. He should have played Jones more times than 30 (or however many) all season.
The way to get players past being overwhelmed is to dummy things down for them and get them playing experience. The coaches didn’t give him that.
The way Arians does practices will help him a lot.
You all watch. 1,000+ yards for Ronald Jones in 2019 if he make the team. If.
March 5th, 2019 at 8:37 am
And if they don’t sign a big name free agent.
March 5th, 2019 at 8:37 am
Wow, my comment posted and then erased. A’ight.
March 5th, 2019 at 10:57 am
A fresh start with nfl expierence under his belt now is a plus for the kid.