In-depth look at the running back room for the Buccaneers
By Rob Leeds
Ronald Jones-RB1
Ronald Jones is alone at the top of the depth chart. Jones’ 2019 campaign signaled that the ceiling had not been reached yet, and the Buccaneers could have their first 1,000-yard rusher since Doug Martin with Jones in 2020.
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Tampa Bay does have a committee of backs to pull from, but Jones has the opportunity to be the most complete back based on his various skills.
Jones has excellent speed, size, and passable hands to flourish in a system with Tom Brady at quarterback. Jones was great through the air last year and after the catch, and he should see his targets in the passing game increase, even though he won’t be the primary third-down back.
In addition to his success through the air, Jones was the best runner of the ball last year as well. RoJo was well on his way to breaking the 1,000-yard ceiling if the far less effective Peyton Barber wasn’t given a comparable number of touches.
The committee approach did not work in Tampa Bay in 2019, and there is a chance that Jones will receive a slightly-longer leash in 2020, especially considering the former starter at the position is no longer on the team.
2020 predictions: 220 rushing attempts for 1,050 yards, 35 receptions for 280 yards, seven total touchdowns