"Mr. Opportunity" - RB Ronald Jones II

One of the biggest challenges in predicting rookie RB success is opportunity. In this regard, Ronald Jones has been blessed by the fantasy football gods, as he was drafted by a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team who struggled on the ground in 2017. He is already viewed as a frontrunner for the starting gig, facing minimal competition in RBs Peyton Barber and Charles Sims.

At USC, Jones was very productive when given the opportunity, rushing for 31 touchdowns and averaging over 6 yards per carry as a starter in 2016 and 2017. The rare combination of plus ability to avoid the tackle and an unmatched toughness when fighting for extra yards will make him a fantasy asset.

Why is opportunity such an important factor for rookie running backs, you may ask? Since 2000, rookie RBs drafted within the first two rounds of the draft averaged just 108 fantasy points in their first season. However, when this RB drafted in the first two rounds starts at least 8 games, the average fantasy output increases to 176 points, a 68-point increase from the overall average. In 2017, 176 points would be good for a top 15 RB finish in fantasy.

Jones is expected to start at least half the games this year, so pencil him in as a solid RB2, with a likely top 15 outcome. Running backs with comparisons to fantasy greats Jamaal Charles and Chris Johnson don’t come around often, and all Jones needs is opportunity to dominate leagues himself.

Edited by Ben Schragger