New York Giants 2018 NFL Draft Target: Ronald Jones II

The New York Giants need a running back they can count on for every down, and USC running back Ronald Jones II is their guy.

One major hole the New York Giants have coming into the 2018 NFL Draft in running back. While they did sign Jonathan Stewart, that’s not enough. At this stage of his career, Stewart isn’t more than a complimentary back.

Jones should be a target for the Giants, especially if he lasts until No. 33 overall. Jones began his college career as more of a finesse runner in the mold of Reggie Bush. However, in 2017 he began to show some between the tackles power.

He has a deadly arsenal of moves that will make it hard for linebackers and corners to stop him. He can stop on a dime and change direction with ease. He can get extra yards by falling forward as opposed absorbing the blows. In addition he protects the football well, with only two fumbles on 591 carries.

According to his NFL.com draft profile, an NFC personnel executive said this:

"“He may be a little too light to give it to him more than 12-14 times per game though. I worry if he can hold up.”"

That said, in his final four regular season games his production didn’t decline — despite having 25 or more carries in each game — and he scored eight touchdowns and had three multiple touchdown games in that span.

Yes, he’s 5-11, 200 pounds. However, the fact that at the end of his career he showed he can handle 25 or more carries shows what he can do in the NFL.

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The tandem of Stewart and Jones would make a good one. Jones has the power to withstand the blows, but they could form a thunder and lightning combo like the Giants saw with Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne.