The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed the last of their rookie class, inking running back Ronald Jones.
And then there were none. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made official on Thursday the signing of second round pick and dynamic running back Ronald Jones out of USC. Jones makes the last of the Bucs’ 2018 draft class to be signed. The announcement was made via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times on Twitter;
#Bucs signed USC RB Ronald Jones, their second round pick, to a 4 yr deal worth a total of $7.072-million. It includes a signing bonus of $3.223-million.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) June 14, 2018
Jones is expected to ignite a run game that was completely invisible for the majority of the 2016 and 2017 seasons, thanks in large part to disappointing performances from now Oakland Raider Doug Martin.
Quarterback Jameis Winston is excited about what he’s seen from RoJo thus far through OTAs and mini-camp;
"“Just his explosiveness and he’s starting to get it. It’s good to see when a young guy is starting to get it. It’s because they care. When guys are out there and make mistakes and are just laughing, you have to pull those guys to the side. But he cares and that’s very important to me.”"
Jones finished his USC career with 3,619 yards and 39 touchdowns rushing along with 302 yards and three touchdowns receiving. His career 6.1 yards per carry will hopefully help to improve the Bucs’ run game that was one of the NFL’s worst last season.
Jones seemed awfully excited when during the video the Bucs tweeted out Thursday afternoon;
Dreams ➡️ Reality
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) June 14, 2018
(feat. @rojo) https://t.co/7dT4Rut220
Behind the revamped line – thanks to the signing of former Ravens center Ryan Jensen, allowing Ali Marpet to move back to guard – Jones should see plenty of running lanes this season. With an effective run game, the pass should open up more for Winston and the gang.
The hype surrounding Jones will only continue to grow, especially once training camp begins and we see Jones taking carries in full pads and facing contact. Once the pre-season begins, and Jones is facing other teams, the excitement will likely reach its full peak.
Next: David, JPP Pick Up Where They Left Off
Until then, we just have to settle for USC highlight reels and mini-camp clips.