Ronald Jones II’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds Taking Hit with Poor Preseason

• Ronald Jones II fell to Tampa Bay at 38th overall in the 2018 NFL draft
• The rookie opened with average odds of +2700 to win the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award
• See how much his odds have changed coming into Week 3 of the 2018 NFL Preseason

With the 38th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Tampa Bay drafted running back Ronald Jones II out of USC.

In his final year at USC, Jones II rushed for 1,550 yards, with 19 TD, on 261 attempts. He also caught 14 passes for 187 yards, adding one more TD. The Buccaneers believed the 5’11”, 205 lb running back would add much needed pop out of the backfield.

However, the rookie has yet to translate his college success into the pros. In two preseason games, Jones II has rushed for 11 yards on 12 attempts, with no receptions.

Practice hasn’t gone much better for the rookie, either, as local Tampa Bay media has noted that Jones II has had several drops in practice and looks out of sorts in the passing game.

The Bucs’ coaching staff aren’t the only ones taking notice, though, as the 21-year-old has seen his odds to win 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year take a major hit. (See Running Backs tab in graph below.)

Average 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the year Odds

When the OROY odds opened on May 1, Jones II had average odds of +2700, the fifth-shortest among RBs. The hype heading into his first preseason game saw his odds shorten to +1800. But now after a very disappointing first couple of games, the RB sees his average odds reach a new high of +2800.

Odds to Win 2018 NFL OROY

*These are just the top five candidates. 

Jones II Struggles while Peyton Barber Shines

As mentioned, Jones II struggles have not just been in the preseason games. It has been well documented that throughout training camp Jones II has struggled in as a pass-catcher and with blocking schemes.

I keep getting this question on #Titans #Buccaneers practice, so I’ll just reiterate:

Peyton Barber is 100% the lead back right now. Ronald Jones II is the two.

RoJo is definitely faster, but Barber looks much better in receiving game and overall.

— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) August 16, 2018

Peyton Barber became a bit of an afterthought in Tampa Bay the day Jones II was drafted. But thus far through camp, Barber has really impressed the coaching staff. Head coach Dirk Koetter, who’s grabbing attention as a coach on the hot seat, has praised Barber’s ability to finish runs, and hungry mindset.

Barber entered training camp weighing 222 lbs, which is ten pounds lighter than last season. Barber has said he feels quicker, but still has enough lower body power to fight for tough yards.

Everything on the field to this point has led us to believe that Barber will start the season as the starting running back. Jones II may get opportunities, but he won’t be the featured back to start the season.

Many of you have asked about Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones. Here’s how the Bucs’ running back situation is shaping up, with some great insight from running backs coach Tim Spencer https://t.co/jFyIApAw8E

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) August 21, 2018

Does Jones II Still Offer OROY Value?

Jones II is currently not worth a wager in 2018 NFL OROY betting.

Jones II will not only be playing behind Barber to start the season, but will also have journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick as his QB for the first three games. Given the fact that the rookie hasn’t shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, I would expect the Saints, Eagles, and Steelers to stack the box when Jones II is on the field.

These conditions are not favorable for a running back to make impact plays, let alone a running back who may only see 10-12 touches a game.

If you’re really keen on RoJo, you can likely hold out for better odds.

DJ Moore Possesses a lot of Value in OROY Betting

Running backs are usually the safest bet. These players have the ability and role with the team to make immediate impacts. But there’s a wide rookie wide receiver who could break the trend of first-year struggles: Carolina Panthers 1st round pick DJ Moore.

Moore was the first WR picked in the 2018 NFL Draft and has elite play-making measurables.

The receiver’s last year in college saw him average 86.1 receiving yards per game with a Maryland team that only averaged 161.7 passing yards per game.

D.J. Moore tied for the draft class lead in missed tackles forced after receptions in 2017 pic.twitter.com/2A2QGLQeAU

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 26, 2018

The Panthers are attempting to become a more complete offense. With teams having to worry about Christian McCaffrey and CJ Anderson in the backfield, and a healthy Greg Olsen, I’d expect Moore to receive opportunities in man coverage where he can use his athletic ability to make plays.

Moore is an immediate upgrade to the Panthers receiving core and should be a favored target for Cam Newton.

ICYMI: DJ Moore can make THINGS happen! pic.twitter.com/Iif77QDZqR

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 10, 2018

With average odds of +3200 to win the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year award, DJ Moore offers great value.