Outside Linebacker/Middle Linebacker

Michigan State

6-0 242

Draft Board Overall Prospect Rank: #25

Draft Board Overall Outside Linebacker Rank: #3

Rating: 84 (Late 1st)

40 time: 4.69

2/20/11: Greg Jones can really play any 4-3 linebacker position, as well as the middle linebacker position in a 3-4. He did a great job of putting on the necessary 10 pounds this season, as evidenced by his Senior Bowl weigh in. His height and arm length suggest his frame is probably maxed out, but he doesn’t need to put on anymore weight. His height is a weakness, but only a small one. He’s always around the ball, a rangy play maker who deserves to go in the first round.

He has a whopping 386 tackles in the last 3 years as a middle linebacker for Michigan State. He also, interestingly enough, had 16 sacks in 4 years, a very impressive amount for a 4-3 linebacker. I don’t know how that translates to the NFL, but it certainly isn’t a bad thing. He is an experienced 4 year starter, something I really like to see, and he comes from a big name program in a big name conference. Starting for that long is very impressive. He didn’t redshirt either. He took over as a starter at age 18. Very, very impressive.

He has the chase speed to move outside, but could obviously stay inside with his added bulk and he could also fit a 3-4. He’s not the most physical player, but he does have good bulk and a good motor and he can plug holes as a middle linebacker well. I’m intrigued to see what his 40 time is at the Combine, to see if he’s still athletic with his added bulk, because sometimes you don’t know.

NFL Comparison: Jerod Mayo