FanPost

Getting the Most Out of Your New Greg Jones

Hi there! I'm Pete Rossman, and I run SB Nation's Michigan State site, The Only Colors. Ed dropped me a line and wanted some info on your new 6th round linebacker pick, and having watched Greg Jones start for four years at Michigan State, I feel like I can provide some background information.

Greg Jones was a high-three star recruit when he arrived on campus in 2007 (side note -- dear LORD I feel old), and went on to lead the team in tackles with 78. He earned Freshman All-American status in that year, and went on to gain All-Big Ten status his sophomore season. In terms of production his best season was his junior season, where he set team highs in tackles (154) and sacks (9.0). This was the first of his two first team All-American seasons, earning the honor again this past year although his tackle number (106) dropped off a bit.

Jones has plenty of strengths. He's one of the surest tacklers I've seen at Michigan State in my time. If there was a way to quantify a player's instincts, Jones would surely be in the top ten -- he had a knack for finding the hole in a line I've seen from few linebackers. Jones has zero character concerns, as he was team captain for two years and has had nary a bad word spoken against him by anyone. I'd spend more time on this, but this three part-piece done by MSU Athletics does it for me.

As for his weaknesses? He's not the best in pass coverage. That was his achilles' heel in college, and was consistently picked on by tight ends. After he bulked up from 230 to 240 between his junior and senior year Jones seemed to lose a bit of speed. While his optimal playing weight is probably closer to 230 than it is 240, I don't see how he'll be able to play at that weight and survive a 16-game season. Lastly some scouts have said that Jones has an average physique for the NFL, and isn't the Adonis that some top-end linebackers look like.

When everything's said though, I think the Giants got great value in the sixth round for a 'backer who had excellent production in college, was a team leader through and through, and was one of the most memorable Spartans of the past decade. I'll miss him, but our loss is your gain. While he may not be a Pro Bowler, Jones can certainly grow to be a consistent starter and glue guy for New York. Congratulations once again, and I look forward to hearing more about one of the best Spartan linebackers in the future.

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