2015 NFL Draft Profile: LB Taiwan Jones, MSU
Taiwan Jones is a very big and physical interior linebacker. The 6-3 245 pound Michigan State Spartan is a great tackler. Jones can fight off blocks and find his way to the football. The New York Giants, who could use a linebacker will want to target Jones in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Jones is a tough and gritty football player. While he is a relatively good athlete, he does not play the game fast. He does not read his keys well enough, and takes pretty bad angles to the football. He will have to come off the field in passing situations and in sub packages, as his coverage skills are minimal.
Jones is a good tackler and he plays the game hard. He needs to get better at the little things to be a great linebacker. With good coaching and some experience he can be a starting caliber linebacker.
He may be limited by his physical ability but working on his football IQ and his technique will help him overcome this. Until he makes his way into the starting line up, he will be a hard-working member of special teams.
GMENHQ Big Board 2.0 Ranking: 81st Overall Prospect
Strengths:
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- Great tackler
- Good size
- Excellent strength
- Fights off blocks well
- Good blitzer
- High Motor
Concerns:
- 3rd Round Potential but 4th round polish
- Does not have sideline to sideline speed
- Liability in coverage
- Needs too more quickly read and react and learn the little things to make him better
Overall Jones is a good football player who will contribute on special teams. I think he is a lot like Jameel McClain, who is currently a Giants linebacker. McClain was an undrafted free agent who got his chance with the special teams units of the Baltimore Ravens. McClain ended up being a good linebacker for the Ravens. If Jones can do the dirty work on special teams, he will have a chance to be like McClain.