Dont take it personally, but Green Bay Packers linebacker Brad Jones doesnt care what you think of him.

He isnt fazed by the perception that the Packers blew it by not drafting a pass-rushing outside linebacker.

It doesnt bother Jones that some view him as the weak link at left outside linebacker in the Packers 3-4 defense opposite the highly touted Clay Matthews.

He could give two hoots that some in the media dont even think he has locked down a starting spot, even though he generated four sacks in eight games as a rookie starter last year after Aaron Kampman was lost for the season.

No offense, I dont really pay attention too much to stuff you guys have to say, Jones told a gathering of reporters in the locker room on Wednesday following the Packers organized team activity practice.

I dont get too much into it. I play my game. You fall too much into what people are saying, then you get lost. You dont really know what type of player you are anymore. So no, I dont really pay too much attention.

There wasnt a hint of defensiveness as Jones patiently and politely fielded a barrage of questions. Some were delicately worded but implied Jones had a lot to prove. Loosely translated, they sounded like this:

Can Jones rush the passer effectively? Is he capable of taking pressure off Matthews? Does he weigh enough to withstand the rigors of the NFL? Can a once lightly regarded seventh-round draft pick really make a difference? Does he deserve to be a starter?

Jones took them all in stride.

You guys ask a lot of crazy questions so I just try to answer them all, he said.

Not even the doubters who say Jones isnt the solution to the Packers desperate need for an upgraded pass rush can get to him, or even provide motivation.

Im not really trying to prove anybody wrong because Im not really taking anything to heart, Jones said.

What he cares about is improving his game, something Jones has been working diligently to achieve. He has added bulk and strength during the offseason, due in large part to his weight room regimen.

I think Im definitely going to make some leaps this year as far as production, Jones said.

The people whose opinions matter agree. Coach Mike McCarthy said at his press conference Wednesday that Jones jumps out at me in referring to second-year players on the roster. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers has also been impressed and recently declared Jones the starter at left outside linebacker.

I think hes done a good job in the offseason program, said Capers. Hes heavier now than he was. Hes probably put on 10 pounds.

Theres a natural maturation for a guy that young that you see over the first couple years in the league. All of a sudden they become more physical when they work hard in the weight room, and I think hes doing that.

Jones said he dropped to 230 pounds by the end of last season, nine pounds under his listed weight. Now he claims hes in the best physical condition of his life. He also has a much firmer grasp of the playbook.

As a rookie, Jones said, you get to OTAs, youre swimming. I mean youre mentally trying to figure out what youre doing. This year its completely different.

Jones said everyone on defense will benefit from a years worth of experience in the 3-4 scheme.

I think its just easier, he said. I know whos out there. I know how they play. I know what theyre going to play. I know the calls theyre going to make. They know what Im going to do. I think we just really grew well together.

As for those nagging questions, Jones believes he has already answered some of them.

I think I did show something last year, he said. I only played half the season. Im definitely going to show some more this year.

Thats his plan, whether people want to believe him or not.