Arians: Third Down Won’t Be For Ronald Jones
March 26th, 2020
Bucco Bruce Arians clarified things for Bucs fans yesterday at the running back position.
He wants one upgrade that won’t come from 21-year-old Ronald Jones developing.
Arians, like he said at the NFL Scouting Combine, wants a running back who is a true threat in the passing game, a wide receiver type who also runs the football. (See Charles Sims 2015).
Arians praised Ronald Jones’ work as a screen-pass catcher but said that’s not enough to make RoJo a three-down back in his offense.
“Dare [Ogunbowale] was pretty solid [at screens]. But just using backs out of the backfield as wide receivers, as primary receivers, that’s not RoJo’s deal,” Arians said. “But hopefully we can find somebody like that, you know, that can compete with Dare on third downs and become more of a wide receiver threat.”
Of course, Joe hopes Arians finds what he wants at running back. But Joe also hopes Arians finds a running back that can pound the rock like the other NFC South running backs: Christian McCaffery, Todd Gurley and Alvin Kamara.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:04 am
Even with a starting draft pick at RB….gonna have to dedicate a RB spot for a proven pass protection RB for Ole Bones #12
March 26th, 2020 at 9:05 am
Man it’s a wonderful time to be a die hard bucs fan! Can’t wait to see the new uniforms, kind of wanted a proven vet in the secondary but i understand we can’t sign or trade for everybody so looks like we are spending more premium picks back there! In BA i trust that front seven is dangerous
March 26th, 2020 at 9:08 am
Jones is the type of back to get better throughout the game with more reps, him splitting reps with Barber hindered him.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:12 am
Another in a long line of jason licht horrible draft picks and passing on quality starting nfl RBs because he wants people to think he is so cagey smart & outside the box thinker.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:18 am
Jones can pound the rock. He’ll be better with TB12 and a rejuvenated OL.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:19 am
Dang, the Giants scooped up Dion Lewis.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:25 am
The signing of Suh has given us more flexibility in the draft……we are thin on cap dollars so I suspect we’ll draft a RB pretty high……
March 26th, 2020 at 9:28 am
Rd 1 is when QB’s get overdrafted. RD 2 is when the RB”s get overdrafted. By the time we pick in Rd2 Cam Akers could be the best back left on the board. Maybe take Swift who is a 3 down back at #14 and go OL with our 2bd round pick. Thoughts?
March 26th, 2020 at 9:29 am
Cam Akers is that kind of back. He can be split out and pound the rock when you need it.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:29 am
Maybe one more lineman/tackle, WR, or RB in FA. Then the table sets up pretty nicely in the draft for us. If not, I expect a QB or tackle in the first, the one not chosen in R. 1 in R. 2, and a RB and WR in the third and forth..another of the above in the compensatory…then depth.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:33 am
RoJo can pound the rock, find holes and burst through arm tackles. He is going to have a 1000 yard season, even if he only plays on 1st and 2nd down.
I predict we are targeting Memphis RB/WR Antonio Gibson. I love the sound of having him enter the huddle on 3rd down, the defense brings a LB out to cover him, and then he splits out wide for the mismatch. If the D brings a CB to cover him, he lines up in the I and runs the draw.
Also, I think we need a fullback. Or, we draft AJ Dillon instead of Gibson to be a RB/FB and disguise as a runner/pass protector.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:40 am
Rojo is trash
March 26th, 2020 at 9:40 am
Sounds like they don’t believe Rojo will develop into that type of weapon which is a bit disappointing because he had some big plays in the pass game last year.
D’Andre Swift R1/R2
Jonathon Taylor R1/R2
JK Dobbins R2
Clyde Edwairds Helair R2/R3
Cam Akers R2/R3
Those seem to be the value. I keep really liking the LSU kid when I see his tape. Reminds me of like a Darren Sproles / MJD hybrid or something.
AJ Dillon seems like a Derek Henry lite type of player. I need to watch more tape tho. Coronavirus providing the time at least.
In terms of just pounding the rock last year yeah we still have some work to do:
Rojo 4.2 YPC
McCaffery 4.8 YPC
Kamara 4.7 YPC
Gurley 3.8 YPC
Either way our running room in totality sucks. We need someone to push Dare to 4th string or off the roster. I’d draft one of the RBs mentioned above R2 or R3 and another in R4 or R5.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:46 am
Enjoying Joebucsfan less and less these last years.the racist comments and nonstop bashing of JW is just so petty. This used to be a good site to get fans perspective, now the majority of commenters are hate filled. This is just a game
March 26th, 2020 at 9:47 am
4.3 yards per carry from ROJO isn’t trash. If he would had more carries he would have been over 1,000 yards. Still need to draft more RBs obviously.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:48 am
Speaking of pass catching – just watch the 1 handed Cam Akers grab on the first play of his ultimate highlight reel lol.
Dude also throws a ball that went like 50 yards in the air about a minute in.
It’ll be hard for Gump to mess up a draft that is deep at the top in OT/RB when those are major needs… You just throw a dart at the top 4 OT and another at that group of RBs and feel great about your chances of landing 2 premium starters
March 26th, 2020 at 9:50 am
Of the RBs in the draft it sounds like Cam Akers to me too! But….DeAndre Swift, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Najee Harris can also catch the rock as well.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:50 am
Let Brady “highly suggest” which players and which round we should select OT and RB. After all he has experienced success for a couple of decades, and knows what is needed. In Brady we trust.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:52 am
Telly:
Unless there is some coded message Joe isn’t aware of, there doesn’t seem to be the slightest thing in the comments of this thread that are racist.
What is Joe missing?
March 26th, 2020 at 9:56 am
We should probably get Akers, he had no run blocking at Florida State, so hell already be used to it, when he gets here.
March 26th, 2020 at 10:00 am
Looks like just another case of Coach Koetter was right all along!!!!!!!!!!
If this “is” the reload, then the “real” fans would hate to see a “rebuild”!!!!!! The team would be In another country and One Buc would have been burnt to the ground!!!!!!!!!
Have only seen player replacements!!!!!! Still waiting to see a “fix” or “coaching up” that the sheep had promised to see!!!!!!!!!!!
go bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 26th, 2020 at 10:01 am
Deep RB draft. Get one in the 3rd. right tackle at #14
March 26th, 2020 at 10:03 am
The Bucs need a bruiser that can gain four yards on first and third downs, no matter what is stacked against him.
Taylor and Dobbins might be able to do that. One of them will be available in the second round. Akers is too much like RoJo.
I would also like to see Adrian Killins invited to camp. He is fast enough to cause defensive jitters every time he is on the field.
March 26th, 2020 at 10:05 am
Man if I’m a running I wouldn’t want to play for Bruce Arians . Man if we don’t run the ball we are going to lose . Regardless of the quarterback . We have a quarterback that can’t move and if we don’t run the ball this is going to be like last year . Then who’s fault it’s going to be . Because no one is going blame Brady so who is going to be the blame this time remember Jamies ain’t here no more .
March 26th, 2020 at 10:07 am
There are 3 specific type of RB that every team should have
The finesse running back – ROJO
The battering ram goal line back – Najee Harris 4th round
The 3rd down specialist receiving back – Edwards-Helaire 3rd round
March 26th, 2020 at 10:08 am
Then get a three down back
March 26th, 2020 at 10:17 am
Lol Rojo is going to have his coming our party this year. He really bulked I’ll in year 2 and still kept his quickness and elusiveness. He had several big runs called back last year and we’re 1 RT away from having a very good offensive line for him to run possessed behind.
Yes, we do need a receiving RB to pair with Rojo to maximize Tom Brady’s skill set. Don’t be shocked if we go offensive heavy this draft and double up on running backs and offensive linemen. We have 2 of the better blocking receivers and one of the best blocking tight ends and the best way to protect a 43 year old QB is to have a power running game.
We need one more defensive lineman in free agency (or at Clay Matthews would be great also) and one secondary player (or a healthy Justin Evans) to give us maximum flexibility in the draft.
We have some very knowledgeable fans here, most see the gaping holes at offensive line the need for a receiving back to help Brady be Brady. This can be an all time easy draft if we just keep it simple.
Best case scenario is if Jordan Love is available when we’re up and we get a king’s ransom from a QB hungry team in a trade. We can definitely trade back and still get Swift or another tackle outside the top 4.
Remember we’ll probably get a 4th or 5th round compensatory pick for Nassib and a 6th or so for Beau Allen and maybe even one for Barber next year so if we have to trade some mid round picks next year to get our guy this year let’s do it.
Most the big money these days for the big guys is on defense so it’s harder and harder to find elite offensive linemen, you usually have to get them in the 1st or 2nd round and we badly need depth and infusion of cheap youth. I must tip my cap to the scouting department for nailing Marpet and Cappa from small schools. It’s rare to hit on small school linemen back-to-back like that.
March 26th, 2020 at 10:19 am
oops Najee Harris decided to go back to Alabama.
Zack Moss or AJ Dillon
March 26th, 2020 at 10:19 am
“also hopes Arians finds a running back that can pound the rock like the other NFC South running backs: Christian McCaffery, Todd Gurley and Alvin Kamara”
Not going to happen, Joe. You know why?
Because before a coach is even hired, the Glazers sit candidates down and show them how you traditionally want a high picked running back every year…and it is conditional that they not give you what you want 😉
Honestly, I could care less about a pass catching RB. If Arians wants a WR, then he should actually get a WR. To me, the most important RB is the guy who can pound the defensive line so hard that they fear him, and short yardage situations are mostly guaranteed to be overcome. We’ve needed this guy for over a decade.
Other than that, a guy who can produce on first and second down. We have that guy.
And, additionally…OJ Howard isn’t going to have a good year if we don’t address right tackle properly, because he’ll still be blocking. And even if we draft a guy, Howard will have to block while the new guy acclimates.
March 26th, 2020 at 10:21 am
I feel obligated to add: If Arians is saying we will address a spot…then that spot will likely not be addressed.
March 26th, 2020 at 10:28 am
Joe – where did the audio come from yesterday with Arians speaking to the local media? Did the buccaneers.com team upload it? is there any way to actually listen to it?
thank you
March 26th, 2020 at 10:30 am
I would trade back to around 20, draft Jones as he is as good if not better than some of the top 4 tackles, and the trade back into the first if possible and draft Swift.
March 26th, 2020 at 10:37 am
Jeez Rojo is only 21? and hes going into his 3rd year.
March 26th, 2020 at 10:40 am
The Bucs are going to draft a running back.
March 26th, 2020 at 10:42 am
Probably RB Antonio Gibson from Memphis in the 5th. Big time catcher outta backfield with speed.
March 26th, 2020 at 10:45 am
A free agent RB is likely on the way…. 3 guys available who can be 3rd down backs:
Devonte Freeman: 59 catches last year, caught 84% of targets
DeAndre Washington: 36 catches last year (in limited action), caught 88% of targets
Chris Thompson: 42 catches (in 11 games), caught 72% of targets
Personally, I think DeAndre Washington would be a great addition. He would come cheap, played well on third downs, and was used as feature back when Jacobs was injured last year. Sign Washington and draft best available RB in the 3rd/4th (Akers, Perrine, Moss). I would also be okay with Swift or Dobbins if they fell to us in the 2nd, but I have faith that RoJo will continue to improve this season and be the guy on early downs.
March 26th, 2020 at 10:46 am
smokescreen IMO
RoJo will get plenty of screens, and I bet he’s in on 3rd down, but BRADY will be slicing and dicing across the middle……..unless the screen is there!
March 26th, 2020 at 11:13 am
Lynn Bowden (UK) or Antonio Gibson (MEM) would be perfect for the SLASH- RB/WR role.
March 26th, 2020 at 11:14 am
The Bucs need to trade back deep in the first round anyway. If they want Taylor or Akers they can take one of them round one. Come to realize Dobbins is a good, strong player but all that shake and bake isn’t going to wo
March 26th, 2020 at 11:15 am
*… work in the NFL.
March 26th, 2020 at 11:20 am
From what I saw, 1st and 2nd down weren’t his either.
BAZINGA!! 💥💥💥💥💥💥
March 26th, 2020 at 11:27 am
Like Dobbins a lot but Wouldn’t be mad if they get Akers. Not a big Taylor fan. Depending on whats available in rd. 2 after getting a OL in rd. 1, go with RB or QB. Late rd. pick QB Morgan from FIU
March 26th, 2020 at 11:39 am
Neither Akers or Swift or LSU’s little running back are going to be any good on third down blocking blitzes to protect Brady and they are not going to be any good running for it on fourth and short with the Defense all in stop the run mode, but Dillion is the ideal Big Back to do all of that and he can catch the ball as an outlet option, can wear down defenses, can help in the red zone running behind Vea, and can win games in the fourth quarter protecting a lead. Look how important Alstott was for us years ago, and Henry was for the Titans in the playoffs last season for the Titans. Remember the Patriots winning Super Bowls using a big back that we practically gave them from our stand on the line Buc’s HC. If you want to compete for a Super Bowl this year, you aren’t going to get there with Akers or any other shrimp sized RBs! Get Dillon!!! You also can pick up Lamical Perine in the fifth round to replace RoJo if he gets injured or needs to rest a play or two.
March 26th, 2020 at 11:43 am
Oh, so we are going to continue to be super predictable based on which running back is on the field?
Awesome, great idea Bruce.
🙄
March 26th, 2020 at 11:54 am
Still think Ronald Jones was a wasted 2nd round pick. He might be a decent runner but why did we pick Rojo in the 2nd round if he was not a complete back? There were better options for RBs in the 2nd round.
March 26th, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Someone was knocking Licht’s pick of Rojo.
I guess every GM but the Giants and Browns GM missed in 2018. I would rather have Rojo than most of these guys moving forward.
2018 running backs drafted
Barkley
Rashaad Penny 27th – not better than Rojo – older as well
Sony Michel 31st – cant catch the ball. Lower ave per rush than Rojo.
Nick Chubb 35th
Ronald Jones 38th
Keryyon Johnson 43rd – not a pass catcher either
Derrius Guice 59th – who bucs fans wanted
Royce Freeman 71st – 3rd string now in Denver
Nyheim Himes
Mark Walton
Ito Smith
Kalen Ballage
Chase Edmonds
Jordan Wilkins
John Kelly
Boston Scott
Trenton Cannon
David Williams
Bo Scarbarough
Justin Jackson
March 26th, 2020 at 12:02 pm
Garbage of a HC.
I thought “he caters to what players strengths “ obviously he can’t wait to replace a young player for a “proven “ one.
Bruce is all talk. He don’t develop players.
Then… you go in National audience to disclose you’re game plan ?
March 26th, 2020 at 12:08 pm
I like Antonio Gidson too and dont think he’ll last until the 5th round. He would make this offense even more dynamic.
March 26th, 2020 at 12:20 pm
This is a great draft for running backs. Last year when we’re tried to milk our lead and pound the rock we couldn’t do it. Go watch AJ Dillon’s tape. Dude is an Alstot, Derek Henry Legarrette Blunt type of back. Would be a great answer for short yardage and milking the clock but the kid can also take it to the house from anywhere on the field. Him Rojo and a speedy gadget type would be a great running back room.
March 26th, 2020 at 12:22 pm
DeAndre Washington would be a great signing. DIdn’t realize he was available.
March 26th, 2020 at 12:51 pm
Ronald is the guy who will pound the rock – he looked really good at the end of last year once he was out of Arians dog house. There’s plenty of RB available still – no need to rush – plus guys will become available post draft. Also spending yet another high draft pick on a RB is a dumb idea – RBs are a dime a dozen. They need WR depth and need to spend a high pick on that.
March 26th, 2020 at 1:02 pm
Im surprised no one has tried to trade for Fournette from Jags, seems liked theyve traded almost all of their other big names.
March 26th, 2020 at 1:09 pm
I’m going to make this prediction just because I really have a gut feeling about it.
I think a Ogunbawale is going to stay on the team all season long – special teams captain and depth at running back and all that stuff. But I think by the time we get out of training camp RoJo is going to be traded somewhere.
I think we’re going to start the season with two veteran free agent signings at running back or 1 veteran free agent signing and a rookie from the draft. And I think RoJo will be gone to another team for a future draft pick by the time we get finished with preseason.
I think preseason is going to be Rojo’s audition for the rest of the league and then bye bye from the Bucs.
March 26th, 2020 at 1:12 pm
Bucs need a big back that wears down the defense, aim for Derrick Henry clone–AJ Dillon in late second or even 3rd round.
Trade down in first if the 4 best tackles are gone.
March 26th, 2020 at 1:17 pm
Adrnagy,
How many Super Bowls does Arians have? How about Jameis?
Arians is proven and successful. Don’t be a goober.
March 26th, 2020 at 1:20 pm
I don’t think the Bucs will address the RB position on day 1 or day 2 of the draft but rather bring in a (cheap) FA. Does anyone really see the Bucs trusting a rookie RB in 3rd down blitz pickups that if botched could land their new star, soon to be 43 year old QB? I think that would be a reckless move. Personally I think they’ll bring in a low cost vet pass catching RB to compliment Dare and draft a day 3 (or sign an undrafted) guy to spell RoJo. Maybe they bring in an older ‘name’ vet who gets cut to compete with RoJo, but I imagine it would be on a cheap deal or a one year “prove it” deal?
March 26th, 2020 at 2:22 pm
wonder if charles sims would be an option.
March 26th, 2020 at 2:54 pm
I’m hoping we draft two RB’s. We should pay attention to their pass pro as well.
But before I get to that can we dispel a meme that has been created by the butt hurt FSU “Blameless” cult. Snide remark like “old bones” better have a great OL…what happens when Brady gets hurt.
You “blameless” cult members could do us a favor and google some real information!!! In the past five years Brady has played in EVERY game in all five seasons except for one when he missed four games. He played in 76 of 80 possible games…starting all of them of course. JW OTOH has played in only 72 games starting 70. During the time of Blameless career Brady missed 4 fewer games. Both of those totals include their season starting suspensions so injury is not the only consideration.
Basically Brady was just as durable..slightly more in fact than JW.
More impressive…Brady has gone ten consecutive years without missing a SINGLE game due to injury!!! It’s the NFL…so disclaimer…the next play could be a career ender for Brady…or Blameless…or Brees..or any QB. The desperation of the JW cult to make this look like a bad deal is palpable!
OK FSU guys…hate on me..BUT…I’d certainly support a draft that somehow landed us Akers AND Dillon…perhaps 2nd and 4th rounders.
And since we’re not big on nuance here just a recheck of what BA said. ROJO…good on screen passes…not so good on routes down the field. IE ROJO can catch but he’s not all that good at running routes down the field.
Akers and Dillon both have soft hands.
March 26th, 2020 at 9:45 pm
Joe, Telly’s idea of racist is criticizing Jameis Winston. Just like Adrnagy, he’s butt hurt that Jameis is gone. Just continued proof they are not Buc fans.
March 27th, 2020 at 2:25 pm
I like AJ Dillon as much as anyone, but he is no 3 down back. He was so poor at pass blocking he had to come off the field at BC. Hr is a bruiser, which makes his inability to block curious, nut the fact remains that he was never able to do it, even moderately.