Christian

Jones

Jones is returning to Chicago after spending the past three seasons as a Lions starter. Jones’ primary strength is availability, as he is neither an above average pass rusher nor run stopper. He is essentially the definition of a replacement-level player, one you can rely on in a pinch, but someone who would ideally not be a starter.

It makes the two-year extension the Lions handed him in mid-2019 even more confusing. A Matt Patricia favorite, Jones was admittedly a league-average player in all facets of the game. His release clears $2.6 million in cap space.

Jones has started every game in the Matt Patricia era but has been up-and-down over the last two seasons. In 2018, PFF graded Jones well, especially at defending the run, but he’s regressed this season due to some missed tackles. Jones is now projected to start through the 2021 season.

Offering rare versatility, Jones played both inside and outside linebacker in addition to defensive end for the Seminoles, and was highly productive. He stands a shade over 6-foot-3 and 234 pounds with an 80 3/4-inch wingspan. In terms of pure tackling ability, Jones is arguably the most efficient defender in this year’s draft class. He’s expected to be a second-day selection.

Jones led all Bears inside linebackers in snaps played last season, but he was a poor fit for the 3-4 defense. Chicago went out and signed two new ILB starters in Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan in the offseason. Jones is a carryover from the old Phil Emery-Marc Trestman regime and appears on his way out.

Jones’ official position designation is at linebacker, but his contributions come on special teams. That should continue in 2017.

A failed drug test at last year’s Combine torpedoed Jones’ draft stock, but he flashed enough talent over 443 snaps as a rookie to at least be in the conversation for a starting role this season. An athletic player with decent coverage skills, Jones would fit well as the weakside inside linebacker in the Bears’ 3-4 scheme. He will compete with Jon Bostic and Mason Foster in camp.

The ex-Florida State linebacker can drop in coverage, and is apparently showing well against the run at camp. LBs coach Reggie Herring recently called Jones raw, but the team is said to be high on him. A failed drug test at the Combine likely was the main reason he didn’t hear his name called at the draft. Jones could push converted SLB Shea McClellin for snaps sooner than expected. He’ll likely be an immediate contributor on kick coverage units.

Jones is considered a day-two prospect. He played all three of outside linebacker, inside ‘backer, and defensive end at FSU. Jones is a physical tackler with plus athleticism and solid range. He profiles as a three-down player who can cover tight ends and rush the passer. Jones (6-foot-3, 234) looks the part.

Jones (6-foot-3 1/8, 240) was a versatile piece in FSU’s defense, seeing action at both Sam and Will, inside ‘backer, edge rusher, and on special teams. He primarily rushed the passer as a senior, recording eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception en route to second-team All-ACC accolades. Jones’ length (33 1/2" arms) and above-average athleticism (4.74 forty, 33 1/2" vertical) give him a chance to be an eventual sub-package asset, and he is an efficient enough tackler to contribute on first and second down. Jones slipped out of the draft because of a failed drug test at February’s Scouting Combine, but has enough talent to make the Bears’ 53.