Michael Horan (@MJ3_TB): RB Ronald Jones
It’s hard to overstate how disappointing Jason Licht’s selection of running back Ronald Jones was. Tampa needed a running back, no question about it, but the answer most certainly was not a limited speed back with no ability in the passing game.
When the Bucs took Jones, they seemingly envisioned him rotating as an early-down back with Peyton Barber while Charles Sims operated as the third down back. This was a massive miscalculation.
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For starters, this is a pass-first league, and the Buccaneers are a pass-first offense. Why then would you knowingly draft a player in the second round with poor hands, no route running ability, and no ability to block?
A three-tool workhorse in Kerryon Johnson was right there for the taking – someone who would have transformed the Bucs attack and made it nearly impossible for coordinators to appropriately scheme.
Instead, Jones has been entirely ineffective when on the field, along with being injured for the second half of the season with a bad hamstring. Jones will hopefully get healthy and find a way to prove himself in the final few games of the season, and the Bucs will undoubtedly be eager to give him his shot. As of now, however, this is one of Jason Licht’s very worst draft picks since selecting kicker Roberto Aguayo in the second round.