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New York Jets 2018 NFL Draft Target: Ronald Jones

By Stephen Smith

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Ronald Jones II #25 of the USC Trojans cuts back on Jaleel Wadood #4 of the UCLA Bruins during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Ronald Jones II #25 of the USC Trojans cuts back on Jaleel Wadood #4 of the UCLA Bruins during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets have three picks in the first two rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft. One player they should target is USC running back Ronald Jones.

The 2018 NFL Draft is a little over a month away now and the New York Jets have some important decisions to make. They’ll have eight picks in all, including two in the second round (Nos. 37 and 49 overall). One area that can certainly use some upgrading is the running back position.

Matt Forte has retired and Bilal Powell is starting to see some tread on the tires. Let’s be honest — Powell is a solid halfback but he’s never been a premier one. He’s also going to be 30 in October.

It’s time for Gang Green to get younger and more dynamic at halfback. The running back depth in next month’s draft is solid. One prospect that general manager Mike Maccagnan should keep his eye on is USC running back Ronald Jones. The 5-11, 200-pounder was a third-team AP All-American last year. Jones placed in the top 10 nationally with 1,550 rushing yards on 261 carries and scored 19 touchdowns.

Let’s take a look at some of his highlights with the Trojans via YouTube

The Fort Stewart, GA native has a lean frame and although he is sturdy at the point of attack another five pounds of muscle wouldn’t hurt. As the video shows, Jones has excellent cut-back ability and breakaway speed. He can turn on a dime and burst through holes with great acceleration. Jones might not be as advanced as Le’Veon Bell in waiting for holes to develop but it is one of his strengths. He has premier change-of-direction ability and can escape traffic when jammed at the line of scrimmage.

Jones is not afraid to take defenders head on and is known for fighting for extra yardage with a full head of steam. His ball security is top-notch as well. He fumbled just twice on 591 carries during his three-year career at USC. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry in all. Jones is also adequate at helping to pick up the blitz though improvement needs to be made on the pro level.

A former track star in high school (100 meters), Jones was not used that often in the passing game for the Trojans. He recorded just 14 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown in 2017. He’ll need to prove he can be an effective receiver out of the backfield in the pass-happy world that the NFL has become. Jones has the athleticism to do it seamlessly.

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Jones strained his hamstring during the recent NFL Combine on the 40-yard dash event. He pulled up 20 yards into the run and posted a 4.66. The Jets will have to monitor his progress in recovering from that injury. If he is good to go, Gang Green needs to take a very serious look at him. Jones shouldn’t get past the second round and New York owns a pair of picks in that round. That’s key.  Jones would make an explosive addition to a team that needs more game-breaking type players.

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