USC has a long tradition of great NFL running backs, from O.J. Simpson, to Marcus Allen, to Reggie Bush. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hope Ronald Jones II can continue that legacy, after drafting the former Trojan RB with the 38th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
After the release of Doug Martin in February, it was clear the Bucs would look to upgrade the running back position in the draft. In Jones they get a powerful runner with a nice combination of size and speed, who racked up over 3,600 yards in three seasons with the Trojans. He nearly rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons at Southern Cal, finishing just 13 yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark as a freshman.
He's the first USC back to rush for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since Lendale White in 2004 and 2005 and finished his Trojan career as the 5th-leading rusher in school history. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and scored 39 rushing TDs in his collegiate career.
The Buccaneers will make two more selections in the second round (53rd and 56th overall picks).
BUCS 2018 NFL DRAFT PICKS
- Round 1 (12): Vita Vea, DT (Washington)
- Round 2 (38): Ronald Jones II, RB (USC)
- Round 2 (53): M.J. Stewart, CB (North Carolina)
- Round 2 (63): Carlton Davis, CB (Auburn)
- Round 3 (94): Alex Cappa, OL (Humboldt State)
- Round 4 (117): Jordan Whitehead, S (Pittsburgh)
- Round 5 (144): Justin Watson, WR (Pennsylvania)
- Round 6 (202): Jack Cichy, LB (Wisconsin)