Why Undrafted?: Christian Jones, LB, Florida State
By Charlie Campbell, @draftcampbell
There was a nice buzz about Jones heading into the his senior season. Scouts told WalterFootball.com that many believed Jones was going to enter the 2013 NFL Draft after his junior season and was getting second-day estimations. As a senior, Jones’ production fell down significantly as Florida State moved him from linebacker to defensive end because of losses to the NFL. He contributed to the Seminoles’ National Championship campaign, but was by no means a force.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder has the speed and athleticism to receive second-day grades at the end of his junior and senior season. However in the lead up to the 2014 NFL Draft, Jones hurt his draft stock. Sources said the biggest reason that Jones went undrafted was because he performed poorly on the chalk board during team interviews. Teams questioned his ability to learn his position and playbook in the NFL. Jones has to be assignment sound and can’t get away with freelancing like good athletes can in college.
Jones landed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agency, which could be a good landing spot for him. In Mel Tucker’s Cover 2 defense, Jones could fit as a Sam (strongside) linebacker. The Bears also like size and speed athletes like him. Jones could spend some time on the practice squad while he develops mentally. Jones could contend to be a backup linebacker and special teams contributor.
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