2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Greg Jones, Mich. State
By Editorial Staff
NFL Mocks is rolling out our new scouting report template that brings you even more in-depth analysis. We break down several key traits and grade them on a scale from 5-1. The breakdown is that 5 being the best and 1 being the worst. We then will give the prospect an overall grade that is also based on the 5-1 scaling system. At the end of each of the reports we give an overall assessment as well as a definition of our grade. This reports are rather lengthy but it really gives you a good feel for each player. If your looking for a quick breakdown check out the top graphic which gives our strengths and weaknesses for the specific player. So please continue reading to see our full scouting report! This report was completed by staff member Jason Madson.
Athletic Ability:
Greg Jones is a natural athlete. Makes smooth and fluid movements on the field. Has decent speed and strength. Occasionally blows you away with his athleticism, but other times makes you wonder where it went. 3
Jones is smaller than most teams would hope for at 6-1 235 lbs. His speed and lateral quickness are his money makers, he needs to wow the scouts in these areas at the Combine.
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This is his top category. He has the ability to break down the play before it happens and get not only himself, but his teammates in the right position. Very intellectual athlete, that must live in the film room.
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He doesn’t leave the field, taking his normal defensive snaps and also playing on special teams coverage units. His teammates feed of his energy, looking to him when they are tired. Extremely intense on the field and off on gameday. He never quits on a play, giving his all to the whistle.
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Exceptional ability to read a play before it happens and react to what he has seen on film. Has a great ability to put himself in the right position to make a play, which makes up for his lack of size. Very good at finding the football and making his way to it. This is very important to Jones because he is already at a disadvantage when it comes to his size, or lack of it.
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Initial Quicks/Range/Closing Burst:
Quick first step, once he recognizes the play he gets there quickly. Has very good range to track down a ball carrier across the field, but won’t be catching any speedsters from behind. His pursuit angles leave a little to be desired when chasing a play.
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Jones isn’t as physically strong as most teams in the NFL would like, might need to move to OLB in the pros. We’ve seen smaller types at MLB in the NFL before, but he needs to improve in this area.
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Jones didn’t shed many blocks at Michigan State, when a defender gets in front of him, it’s usually over. I see more of the same in the NFL. He does know how to use his hands to fight off blocks occasionally, but he needs to improve in this category as well.
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Jones, from the film I watched, lunges to make many of his tackles. He lacks the pop that most in the NFL desire. Most of his tackles were made by wrapping up and falling to the feet to trip the ball carrier up or wrestling him to the ground. Bigger backs ran through his tackles. Not a big hitter. Occasionally over pursuit is a problem with Jones.
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Jones needs to work on his coverage skills. He takes bad angles covering receivers out of the backfield and isn’t big enough to stay with a tight end. He tends to bite hard on the play action fakes as well. You will most likely see Jones coming off the field in passing situations at the next level.
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Has potential to be a decent blitzer at the next level, due to his pre play knowledge and ability to anticipate the snap count. I don’t see him as a natural pass rusher, due to lack of size/strength and the burst to get through the line.
Overall: 3.5
Jones has a lot of developing to do if he wants to see the field in situations other than special teams. His leadership qualities should keep him around for a while, but he needs to develop into a better overall player. A backup/special team-er is where I see Jones for the next couple years. He is a 3rd round pick in my opinion.