2013 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia

Today we're going to look at another 2013 NFL Draft prospect who is currently projected to go in the top 10, possibly top five in Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones. However, this is a player that could fall into the Giants' lap because of a degenerative spinal injury.

[Complete SB Nation Draft Coverage]

The Book on Jones

Pros

Explosive burst off the snap. Jones rushes the passer with good leverage to get under the pads of a blocker and drives him back. He has very good, but not elite straight line speed for his position. He has a good motor and is constantly involved in the run game. Jones reminds me of DeMacrus Ware and Von Miller with his ability to time the snap and explode off it. He does it so well (like Ware and Miller) it looks like he's offsides when he's not. Jones can be effective in coverage in the NFL.

[Big Blue View 2013 NFL Draft Big Board]

Cons

Does he have enough arm length? He doesn't look lengthy, and this will be something to watch out for when he is measured during the combine. Hen needs to get stronger to be great in the run game as well as learn to maintain his gap integrity better as he takes himself out of plays by over pursuing. He has a degenerative spinal condition (spinal stenosis) which will likely be the biggest factor to his draft stock.

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Player comparison

Even though I mentioned Von Miller Jones is not MIller. Miller is faster and longer than Jones. Miller also plays with the best leverage of anyone in the league which is why he's able to bull rush 330 pound offensive right tackles like they are running backs.

I'd say he's like Clay Matthews with better hair.

Does He Fit With The Giants?

Jones is an interesting fit with the Giants as a 4-3 SAM linebacker. Defensive fronts in the league today tend to be more versatile and flexible and while Jones is not a traditional 4-3 SAM linebacker, Miller wasn't either and that has worked out well. Jones would finally give the Giants a pass-rushing threat from the linebacker position and he would improve the play in the run game from what the Giants have had when Mathias Kiwanuka is not on the field.

Prospect Video

Be sure to follow @jmpasq on twitter who provides all these videos. He's also a Giants fan to boot.

And while you're watching the video make sure you check out linebacker Alec Ogletree, No. 9. I'll be banging his drum plenty between now and the draft.

Big Board Rankings (January 15th, 2012)

CBS Sports - 4th

Mocking the Draft - 7th

National Football Post - 49th (Russ Lande always has very interesting rankings)

Big Blue View Board - 5th

Final Thoughts

Jones' spinal injury will likely determine his status. Jones would be a great get for the Giants as he can plug two of their major holes: outside linebacker and an increased pass-rushing presence. He isn't the traditional 4-3 strongside linebacker, but he'd make an excellent one. Jones is one of those players whose stock is impossible to pinpoint from a blogger/media perspective because we're just not going to have access to medical records on him, and that will likely be the biggest indicator of his draft stock because he can flat out play.

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