With the 36th pick in the NFL Draft, the Bucs selected running back Ronald Jones.
Jones is a game-breaking dynamic running back, who rushed fro 3,619 yards and 39 touchdowns at USC, including 1,550 yards and 19 scores last year. Jones is a slasher with great vision and enough power to break arm tackles despite not being a big back. Jones has drawn comparisons to Jamaal Charles, which is pretty accurate. Jones wasn’t involved too much in the Trojans’ passing game, but did contribute 32 catches for 302 yards and three TDs during his three-year career.
The USC Trojan had 14 100-yard games and 13 explosive plays (12 runs, one catch) of 40 yards or more in college. Seven of those explosive plays traveled 60 yards or more.
Jones is expected to compete for the starting job that came open when Tampa Bay parted ways with Doug Martin following last season. Tampa Bay has Jaquizz Rodgers, Peyton Barber returning and just this week re-signed free agent Charles Sims to a one-year deal.
Shortly after being drafted Jones joined the local media via a conference call and was asked who his game compares to.
“I would say Chris Johnson back when he was playing. I thought I embodied a little bit of LeSean McCoy, I love his game. Todd Gurley—I like his game too. Those are some guys I watch.”
PewterReport.com also asked him how he feels being a three-down back and his comfort level in pass protection.
“Most definitely. I consider myself a three-down back. There are areas for improvement technique wise. Just getting back to the fundamentals. I’m eager to get to work. Let’s get it.”