Josh Jones | Safety | North Carolina State | 6'1" - 220 lbs.

 

OVERVIEW
Jones was not a household name outside of the Research Triangle during his time at North Carolina State, and was snubbed for all-conference honors by ACC coaches. League media recognized that he was an impact defender for the Wolfpack, however, giving him honorable mention notice in 2016 after he led the team with 109 tackles (four for loss) and three interceptions, also breaking up eight passes. Jones had started eight games as a true freshman, finishing second in the ACC with four interceptions (he also had seven pass break-ups for the year). In 2015, he was a solid starter but lacked many big plays (63 tackles, 2.5 for loss, one INT, two PBU).

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Possesses prototypical combination of size and speed. Has acceleration and top-end speed to range all over the field. Plus athletic ability and reactive quickness. Has ability to disguise his coverage before sprinting back to centerfield. Has experience with both safety spots. Fluid in his movement and is an explosive leaper when challenging at the high-point. Has the ball skills to rake it or take it. Plays with eager eyes that stay glued to quarterback's intentions. Has the closing burst to challenge throws. Extremely aggressive. Bouncy feet can't wait to fire downhill and hit something. Accelerates through the collision. Does a good job of punching and playing off of blockers.
WEAKNESSES His aggression is a double-edged sword. Will come in too hot looking to lay the lumber and end up missing his mark as a tackler. Needs to do better job of coming to balance as a tackler. From zone coverage, can be a little slow to anticipate routes and squeeze the throwing windows. Gets hyper-focused on quarterback and will lose track of his assignments. Will bite on play-action bait and get drawn out of position.

DRAFT PROJECTION Round 2

SOURCES TELL US "This guy would just as soon hit you as look at you on the football field. Hey, it's fun to watch his tape because he's already got that NFL mentality to him, but he gets way out of control too. I saw that early on in the tape. You've got to rein him in a little bit." - AFC defensive backs coach

NFL COMPARISON Mike Mitchell

BOTTOM LINE Jones is a height-weight-speed prospect to be sure, but he's not just a traits-based safety. Jones has the appetite for hitting that teams will want around the box and he has the speed and ball skills to range and help against vertical threats from a deep safety spot. The big area of concern will be Jones' ability to play with better discipline in coverage and as a tackler. He has the ability to become a good, long-time starter in the league.

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"Who?" - Everyone

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As someone who has not been sold on Morgan Burnett since his big money deal, this excites me.

Our secondary needs playmakers badly.

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Will Burnett be moved to ILB and Jones play Safety?

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There have been some rumors that the Packers are planning to use Burnett closer to the line more this year as Hyde replacement in nickle and dime, and maybe some as a coverage LB...

Of course that could change with Josh Jones is bigger and more willing hitter than Burnett. .. but it gives them more options for sure.

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Also Burnett is getting to age 30 and is in the last year of his contract. Bottom line, Packers add size and SPEED to the secondary.

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Can we just let these guys get to Green Bay and get comfortable being a Professional?

Every year expectations are for these guys to step right in as starters.

Good chance that is not going to happen.

Packers lost Shields and Hyde, if these guys(King and Jones), can be used in sub-packages by the beginning of the season, that would be a good thing, if either or both crack the staring lineup, that would be GREAT!!

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Hyde being gone is a great thing. His departure freeing up a spot for this guy, even better.

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I like this selection. Love it that he can play multiple positions. In a few years after he has gotten a little seasoning people will compare him to Woodson.

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