Javancy Jones, LB, Jackson State (Would play him inside)

PLAYER OVERVIEW

Temple star Haason Reddick became of the big winners of the Senior Bowl after the long-time edge rusher proved that his agility and awareness translated to playing off the ball as a more traditional linebacker, as well. Savvy scouts noticed that Jones made a similar transition a week earlier at the East-West Shrine Game.
Like Reddick, Jones' was featured as an edge rusher for the Tigers and he dominated the competition in the South West Athletic Conference. As a freshman in 2013, Jones was named SWAC Freshman of the Year and earned All-SWAC honors, registering 54 total tackles, including 14 tackles for a loss and five sacks. His sophomore (108 tackles, including 18 for loss and three sacks) and junior seasons (91 tackles, including an FCS-best 26 tackles for loss and five sacks) only reinforced that he was a virtual man amongst boys at this level.

Jackson took a leave of absence prior to the start of his senior season to aid his ailing mother, whose bout with neuromyelitis optica, also known as Devic's disease, contributed to his staying close to home to play at Jackson State despite offers elsewhere. He returned to earn All-American honors, leading JSU with 82 tackles, including 19.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and four sacks before turning heads at inside linebacker amongst top competition at the Shrine Game.

ANAYLSIS

STRENGTHS: Jones possesses a solid frame for linebacker with broad shoulders, thick limbs and good overall weight distribution. As an edge rusher, his initial burst, lateral agility and core flexibility made him tough to stop at this level. He is an agile and balanced athlete, showing the wiggle to elude would-be blockers in space, and locates the football quickly, possessing the change-of-direction and accelerate to stalk ballcarriers from behind and close in a flash. Jones showed impressive awareness at linebacker in coverage at the Shrine Game, handling Utah's speedy running back Joe Williams -- a legitimate NFL talent in his own right -- in the open field. Showed his toughness in 2014, playing the season with what later proved to be two broken hands. Passionate, enthusiastic player.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks the length and bulk to likely remain in the edge rusher role that he starred at Jackson State. A bit reliant upon his athleticism, showing a nice swim move but little else in terms of his pass rush and needs to work on his upper body strength and use of hands to disengage.

IN OUR VIEW: Jones is facing an obvious jump in competition but the fact that he stood in the all-star at a new position hints at his instincts, talent and hunger for success.