Green Bay Packers film room: Breaking down second-round pick Josh Jones
By Dan Dahlke
Trait #4: Versatility
Finally, despite all of the assets Jones brings to the field his versatility gives him the most opportunities to see the field as a rookie.
He can hold up well playing on the second level. On this play against Miami Jones lines up as an inside linebacker in NC State’s 3-4 front. This is on a 1st-and-10 against an obvious running formation, showing that NC State’s coaching staff trusts him as a between-the-tackles defender.
Jones looks more linebacker than defensive back on this play. He does a nice job slipping the block and getting in on the gang tackle at the line of scrimmage. This is when his size is a major benefit. He can hold up well in the trash as an inside backer.
As seen on previous plays, Jones’ speed and athleticism also help him make plays against the run. He excels in a safety-linebacker hybrid role, and his range makes him an effective defender outside of the tackle box.
On this play against Notre Dame, Jones quickly diagnoses the outside run and flows smoothly to the ball to make the stop short of the first down.
While Jones needs to show a little better tackling form, he’s an effective second-level defender because he demonstrates good play recognition ability and range against the run.
However, it’s easy to get preoccupied with Jones’ ability up in the box and ignore his coverage play as a safety.
While earlier we took a look at a play where Jones picks up a slot receiver in man coverage, on this play against Miami Jones covers the tight end, David Njoku, downfield.
This is a great pass deflection on a deep corner route. Jones’ ability to defend athletic tight ends downfield could really help out the Packers.
Jones will be expected to take over for Micah Hyde as the nickel defender in Dom Capers defense. He will have to shadow tight ends in coverage down the seam and across the field, but Jones’ speed and size should help him hold up well in this role.
He also offers a lot as a run defender, allowing him to stay on the field on early downs, if needed.