Good tackling technique; wraps up and rarely misses
Consistent tackler in space or in traffic
Nice vision and awareness
Comfortable in space and under control
Accelerates to the ball-carrier
Outstanding instincts
Effecient with minimal wasted movements
Great timing and pass rush sense
Fluid hips
Big-time leader with terrific work ethic
Weaknesses:
Struggles to stack and shed blockers
Lacks some bulk and size
Could be a little more physical
Not a punishing tackler; doesn’t deliver a lot of big hits
Only two forced fumbles in 39 games
Strictly a 4-3 weakside linebacker until he adds mass to body frame
Could improve hand use
Summary: Jones reminds me a lot of 2010 linebacking prospect Daryl Washington out of TCU
because they are both ridiculously athletic, rangy weakside linebackers. Jones is a run-and-hit
WILL linebacker who finds ways to make plays and has great intangibles. I’d like to see his size
get up to around 235-238 as opposed to being below 230 pounds.
Jones plays inside linebacker
at Michigan State, but is going to probably have to move out to the weakside in the NFL.
I’m giving Jones a second-round grade to start the 2010 college football season, and I expect
him to get drafted in the top 50 picks when it’s all said and done. If he has a monster senior
year and puts on some size, he could very well become a first-round pick.
Player Comparison: Will Witherspoon. Witherspoon is a talented, productive weakside linebacker
who possesses a very similar playing style to the Michigan State product.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) catches a touchdown pass against Wisconsin Badgers safety Matt Jung (29) in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
