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Mike Jones Jr. NFL Draft Profile
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Mike Jones Jr. Scouting ReportMike is a loose, springy, and fluid athlete. He features outstanding closing burst when he triggers and commits. He isn’t the biggest linebacker but he is extremely physical and brings the fight. His skill set translates well to playing in coverage and he is smooth with his zone drops and ability to reach landmarks. Mike has the movement skills to play in man coverage—which he did frequently at Clemson, including opportunities against slot receivers. Can play in the overhang and even as a rat in the hole. In certain games in 2021, Clemson deployed him as a pass rusher where he would shoot gaps and even be used as a true edge rusher. Mike is extremely versatile defender that projects favorably to filling a variety of roles whether that is coverage, blitzing, or in a pursuit-style WILL role. He translates well to modern NFL defenses as a versatile chess piece that can run, cover, and play in space.
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Areas for ImprovementJones Jr. competitive and physical, but projecting him to playing in the box at the next level is concerning given his lack of size. He has to become a more consistent tackler and there were too many misses in 2020. Some teams may not have a role for a player like Jones, which could limit opportunities. How he transitions to LSU and claims a role for that defense will be telling.
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Mike Jones Jr. Career at SchoolEnters second season at LSU after transferring from Clemson in the summer of 2021. Versatile linebacker who can play inside or outside as well as lining up at the nickel position. Appeared in 29 games at Clemson, starting seven times. Emerged as one of LSU’s most consistent defenders in 2021. Capped first year at LSU playing in all 13 games, starting the final five contests. Goes into 2022 having played in 42 collegiate games (29 at Clemson, 13 at LSU) with 12 starts (7 at Clemson, 5 at LSU). Has two years of eligibility remaining. Will be counted on for leadership on the defensive side of the ball in 2022. At Clemson, registered 47 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, a half sack and two interceptions. Started seven games for the national semifinalist Tigers in 2020, recording 30 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Twice named to the ACC Honor Roll in 2018-19. Redshirted as a true freshman in 2018 and then granted another year of eligibility due to the NCAA’s ruling on Covid in 2020. A Nashville, Tennessee native who finished his high school career at IMG Academy in Florida.
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Mike Jones Jr. NFL Draft Player ProfileMike Jones Jr. displayed his versatility at Clemson, lining up as an overhang defender, WILL and even as a deep safety. Jones is a very good athlete, showing his speed to get sideline to sideline when he trusts his eyes and carrying opponents vertically. He is very quick laterally, avoiding blockers. Timing his blitz excellently, he often takes the first step right before the snap. Jones possesses the length and effort required to extend and get off blocks in space.
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