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Assessing Buccaneers’ 2018 Rookie Class: A mixed bag

By Ryan Doyle

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 26-23. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 26-23. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 02: Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers takes down Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 02: Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers takes down Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

RB Ronald Jones (Rd. 2, Pick 38)

The distinctive winner for the most disappointing rookie is running back Ronald Jones. He was supposed to be Tampa Bay’s lead back.

Only former undrafted free agent Peyton Barber had any chance of winning the job out of training camp. Jones had a slow start in his first preseason action, but he was never able to snap out of it.

Jones’ time on the practice field must not have been pretty either as he started the season as a healthy scratch, finally earning his first carry Week 4 against the Chicago Bears.

Related Story. Most disappointing Buccaneers in 2018. light

On the season, Jones carried the ball 23 times for 44 yards. Meager numbers considering his expectations. The play from other rookie running backs around the league didn’t help either. Rookies Sony Michel and Kerryon Johnson had far better campaigns.

One thing that may help Jones next season could be an improved offensive line. Tampa rushed for just 95.2 yards per game in 2018. The offensive line had one of the worst run blocking units in the NFL.

Every running back struggled to find holes. Jones’ quiet first year may not be entirely on his shoulders, but he will need an extraordinary turnaround to warrant his second-round draft status.

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