NFL Draft 2011, Round 6: Giants Select Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State

by Mike Farley on Apr 30, 2011 4:29 PM EDT in 2011 NFL Draft

With the 185th pick (6th round) in the 2011 NFL draft, the Giants selected inside linebacker Greg Jones of Michigan State. I have to tell you folks, I am personally ecstatic over this pick. I live in Madison and watched Jones play against the Badgers this past season, and he is an absolute beast. To be honest, I have no idea how he fell this far. I know he was originally projected as a first or second-rounder. But trust me, I think the G-men have a sixth round gem here.

Here is a bit of Jones' player bio from Michigan State:

2010 SEASON (SENIOR): One of 10 players in the nation to earn unanimous first-team All-American honors (The Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp Foundation, Football Writers Association of American and the Sporting News) . . . was the only repeat selection from the 2009 team to the 2010 AFCA and AP All-America Teams . . . also garnered first-team All-America accolades by SI.com, Phil Steele, CBSSports.com and Scout.com . . . named to the All-Big Ten first team for the third straight year . . . earned the Governor's Award (Team MVP)

Here is what Mel Kiper had to say....."Heck of a college player," Kiper said. "I think people are going to look at him and say, 'OK, is he going to be equally as good in the NFL?' And there's some questions. That's why instead of being the first- or second-round pick that collegiate press clippings lead you to believe, he becomes a fourth- or fifth-round pick."

And here is what the NFL Draft Bible had to say:

Great experience and good form tackling ability are what Greg Jones brings to the table. The senior isn’t as gifted in coverage and often didn’t even play three downs at MSU but projects as a potential thumping middle linebacker that could develop as a pass protector. Looked very lack luster in Mobile though.

Well, just do me a favor, folks. Go watch Jones' clips on YouTube and let me know if you agree with me. I think he has the potential to be a dominant NFL player, and someone we desperately need to clog up the middle.

Tweet Comment 127 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Liking our draft for most part

Still confused by WR in 3rd, but I can live with it.

There is no hope.... there is no future....there is only GRISSIONZ

The 2011 Mets- Rock bottom: We haven't reached it yet

by Syler on Apr 30, 2011 4:32 PM EDT reply actions

Eli is not confused at all

Or do you not remember playing guys off the street.

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...

by wangstu13 on Apr 30, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions

How often is it that a team's best 3 WRs are all injured at once?

There is no hope.... there is no future....there is only GRISSIONZ

The 2011 Mets- Rock bottom: We haven't reached it yet

by Syler on Apr 30, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

hardly, but the injuries concerns could still be there

plus with Steve Smith due for a contract and Mario up next year, this guy has the speed we lack on offense.

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...

by wangstu13 on Apr 30, 2011 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Probably about as often

As the teams best 3 O-Linemen.

I don't always hope for draft picks, but when I do, I prefer Owen Marecic.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Our WRs aren't 30 and older

There is no hope.... there is no future....there is only GRISSIONZ

The 2011 Mets- Rock bottom: We haven't reached it yet

by Syler on Apr 30, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

So they can't get hurt?

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Fat aging O-linemen are way more likely to breakdown and get hurt

than 20 something in shape WRs

There is no hope.... there is no future....there is only GRISSIONZ

The 2011 Mets- Rock bottom: We haven't reached it yet

by Syler on Apr 30, 2011 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed.

But WRs coming off surgery aren’t exactly the model of health either.

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

The guy was a premier kick returner. Remember our “return game”?

http://www.wolverineliberationarmy.com/blog

by chitownblue on Apr 30, 2011 4:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

you mean the one that was 31st in punt and kick returns? that “return” game?

by Ualtar on Apr 30, 2011 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Injuries

Nicks has been injured in both of his two seasons.

Smith is coming back from micro-fracture surgery. That won’t be easy for a WR whose game is built on making sharp cuts in route-running.

wilddre22: why does everyone bring up Vick like its a given that that’s what EVERY player will do and respond from a prison sentence.

andiamo708: I have no clue... like going to prison is like going to LSU or something….

by GhostDini on Apr 30, 2011 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

This is the happiest I have been with a Giants overall draft in years.

They could draft 3 Penguin long snappers from Antarctica with the rest of their picks and I would be cool with it at this point.

by Jonathan. on Apr 30, 2011 4:32 PM EDT reply actions

I'd rather have a Penguin from Antartica

than from Youngstown State

by YankeeDudeL on Apr 30, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions

With the next three picks

The New York Giants select:
Long Snapping Penguin, Antarctica
Long Snapping Penguin Jr., Antarctica
Mrs. Long Snapping Penguin, Antarctica

I’d still be very happy with this draft if that happened.

by njny on Apr 30, 2011 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions

those would be 3 very cool customers

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...

by wangstu13 on Apr 30, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

“Heck of a college player,” Kiper said. "I think people are going to look at him and say, ‘OK, is he going to be equally as good in the NFL?’

Um, can’t you say that about literally every player drafted?

by long time listener on Apr 30, 2011 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

Do you ever watch ESPN?

Their analysts are the kings of talking a lot without saying anything.

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Apr 30, 2011 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, Kiper

did a great job pointing out the obvious there, didn’t he. :-)

Finally, the draft!

by tommy d. on Apr 30, 2011 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm very happy

Can’t really ask for much more from this draft.

by njny on Apr 30, 2011 4:34 PM EDT reply actions

I'm out to play ball

Let’s hope we can finish with 3 more decent picks. NYG!

Nowadays everybody wanna talk, like they got something to say, but nothing comes out when they move their lips, just a bunch of gibberish and motherfu****s act like they forgot about Dre

by King Henry the 2nd on Apr 30, 2011 4:35 PM EDT reply actions

After seeing all his honors

It’s quite stunning that we nabbed him in the 6th

by YankeeDudeL on Apr 30, 2011 4:35 PM EDT reply actions

Tom Rock says he's undersized for MLB

There is no hope.... there is no future....there is only GRISSIONZ

The 2011 Mets- Rock bottom: We haven't reached it yet

by Syler on Apr 30, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

So was Sam Mills

Pride of Montclair State

by YankeeDudeL on Apr 30, 2011 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

+1 for Montclair

and David Tyree

by Bino41 on Apr 30, 2011 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

played bball with Sam Mills' kid...

heck of an athlete when we were both freshmen in HS waay back when

That's just Ridiculous!

by 27Tango on May 1, 2011 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions

he's slow and small and has t rex arms

so that’s probably why he fell.

On the field he plays much better. I don’t think he’s a waste of a 6th rounder. Mark Dantonio loves him as well. When asked about him he’s wondering why the the hell people are knocking this dude.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

We drafted a LB that people like

so now we’ll win the World Series.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

of cricket!

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...

by wangstu13 on Apr 30, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

1st team unanimous All American selection in the 6th round

Sounds fishy…but he has a proven record of being a beast, hopefully that trend continues. The Giants are having an absolute monster draft this year.

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...

by wangstu13 on Apr 30, 2011 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

zzzzzzzzzzzz

zzzzzzezezz

by Oppenheimer919 on Apr 30, 2011 4:39 PM EDT reply actions

wow

Led the team in tackles 4 years in a row… thats impressive

by Oppenheimer919 on Apr 30, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

in the 6th round its tough to argue with this one

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

i dont think anyone can argue with an All American 1st teamer LB

in the 6th round!!!

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...

by wangstu13 on Apr 30, 2011 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

but I know there will be plenty on this board lol

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...

by wangstu13 on Apr 30, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

This is TEH LBZZZZ

Everyone’s behind this one my man.

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

no doubt

we’re in the Super Bowl now.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah so

I guess the knock on him must be his size then? Sort of hard to imagine its anything else.

by Oppenheimer919 on Apr 30, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Speed

by trueblue63 on Apr 30, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

yes

he’s small, slow and not all that strong. The spandex olympics weren’t kind to him.

On the field those things sort of show up, but he was pretty damn good on the field. Played like a 2nd round player.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

The tackling numbers are just hard to get over

464 career tackles! And started as a true freshman. Yeah that doesn’t necessarily mean anything, but damn.

Who knows how these guys all pan out, but I’m impressed with the way this draft has shaped up for the Giants.

by Oppenheimer919 on Apr 30, 2011 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Serious production there!

I’m psyched we got this guy. Another steal by JR and TC!

Finally, the draft!

by tommy d. on Apr 30, 2011 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Is tito's homeboy Owen still on the board?

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...

by wangstu13 on Apr 30, 2011 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

Nahh

Browns scooped him up :(

I don't always hope for draft picks, but when I do, I prefer Owen Marecic.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

In the fourth though...so I can't say I'm too disappointed.

I don't always hope for draft picks, but when I do, I prefer Owen Marecic.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

got drafted in the 4th

Brown nosers I think

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh wait, he is not a star prospect...plz

This kid is a great value pick for the 6th round and he will add needed depth at the position. all the hoopla about the Giants not having star playmakers at LB are overblown since their defensive scheme mostly revolves around Joker/ 5-6 packages.

by Teambigblue on Apr 30, 2011 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

No stars ever come out of the 6th round

Never. Ever. Ever.

by YankeeDudeL on Apr 30, 2011 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Tom Brady did

and he’s still crying about it.

The Flyers...Just one more reason to hate Philadelphia.

by Mother Tucker on Apr 30, 2011 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Not sure if serious..

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

For the record, I'm a Michigan fan

what do you’se think? lol

by YankeeDudeL on Apr 30, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

The internet sooo needs a sarcasm font or something.

by YankeeDudeL on Apr 30, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

There is one

I don’t know how to use it

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

@like this@

but down here

Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.
-John Madden

by Willgfass on Apr 30, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

We're on teh clock again

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 4:50 PM EDT reply actions

Looks like a true 4-3 for a change

Not a 3-4/DE convert like recent giant draft failures at LB.

by lueeluee on Apr 30, 2011 4:52 PM EDT reply actions

Giants should draft a Center

Tim Barnes

by Jermal on Apr 30, 2011 4:52 PM EDT reply actions

Tyler Sash

what a steal here

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 4:54 PM EDT reply actions

NFL Network Agrees

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

you got it

haha

by Oppenheimer919 on Apr 30, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Ok,

someone tell me who Tyler Sash is

by YankeeDudeL on Apr 30, 2011 4:54 PM EDT reply actions

one of the better safety prospects in the draft

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Iowa Safety

Two-time first team all-big ten safety in three years. Was rated early on as a top five safety in this draft class.

by njny on Apr 30, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

he's an insurance policy for KP...

…let’s just hope he fares better than Craig Dahl.

by Step up and make big plays on Apr 30, 2011 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

He's a strong safety ala the way we used Deon Grant last year and AR was misused, but effective at it.

Bleeding Blue since 1962

by sunlion333 on Apr 30, 2011 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Mike Mayock

“Giants have been the epitome of drafting BPA, and not reaching for need”

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 4:57 PM EDT reply actions

+1

Really fantastic. I think Reese is even better when FA is post-draft.

by Bino41 on Apr 30, 2011 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Its beautiful

http://walterfootball.com/offseason2011nyg.php

by Branta on Apr 30, 2011 4:58 PM EDT reply actions

Damn

Does Jerry work at Walter Footaball?

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Homan's off the board

I bet we go Herzlich

by YankeeDudeL on Apr 30, 2011 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

Orrr not

is an OLB, though.

by YankeeDudeL on Apr 30, 2011 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

On teh clock again...

I like round 6

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 5:02 PM EDT reply actions

Virgil Green and Mark Herzlich says ESPN

are the tops guys overall and at OLB

by dank7 on Apr 30, 2011 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

drumroll

by dank7 on Apr 30, 2011 5:04 PM EDT reply actions

it was announced but who is it

by dank7 on Apr 30, 2011 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

Another LB

South Florida maybe? Missed the college

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Jacquian Williams

I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

Tyler Sash

I think he will fit in real nice as a role player in the new backfield. He fared well at the NFL combine, finishing among the top performers at his position in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, three-cone drill and 60-yard shuttle run.

by Teambigblue on Apr 30, 2011 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

metrics are nice and all...

…but the real question is: can he step up and make big plays?

by Step up and make big plays on Apr 30, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Okay pick

I give the pick a C

by Jermal on Apr 30, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

In limited action and bits and spurts, he might

Pretty well regarded coming into the draft, was a big playmaker in college. The knock on him is his cover skills and range so the consensus seems to be that he is more of a role player/special teamer, but if this guy plays that role on your team, or is a quick fill in for injury then I would say your team has some good depth.

by Teambigblue on Apr 30, 2011 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Jaquian...

…not the “Quan” many were hoping for…

by Step up and make big plays on Apr 30, 2011 5:06 PM EDT reply actions

lol

by Jermal on Apr 30, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Great Pick

It’s not often I can say this, but I did happen so see this dude play quite a bit in college. He’s a BEAST. I don’t need to run down the accolades because we’ve all seen them by now. All we need to know is that he’s a 2nd or 3rd rounder that we got in the 6th. Awesome.

by mtcl05 on Apr 30, 2011 5:07 PM EDT reply actions

We'll have to take your word on that

Since many of us haven’t never heard of this guy and he wasn’t well regarded among analyst. seemed like a reach even in the6th round, especially with better LB’s on the board.

by Teambigblue on Apr 30, 2011 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

one last pick, 18th in this round

by dank7 on Apr 30, 2011 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

WalterFootball does not like this last pick Jaquain Williams

I think the Giants rolled the dice on this guy big time…but who cares its the 6th round.

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...

by wangstu13 on Apr 30, 2011 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

AWWWWW

Walter gave that pick a D

by Branta on Apr 30, 2011 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

he doesn't know who he is

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions

doesnt sound like too many people do at this point

Ed is scrambling right now

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...

by wangstu13 on Apr 30, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions

yea

I wouldn’t give this one a grade yet. He’s obviously well off the radar but judging by his pro day numbers, he’s an NFL athlete.

Probably a special teamer. I did see he’s a team captain tho, so that counts for something

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

by kcc444 on Apr 30, 2011 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Average player, so, i would give this pick an average grade: C

The last 2 players in the 6 rounds will probably play on special teams. I would have took Da’ Rel Scott and Tim Barnes for the last 2 picks in the 6 round for the giants.

by Jermal on Apr 30, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions