Ernest

Jones IV

Jones was traded to the Titans last week and is understandably still getting up to speed on things. It doesn’t sound like Callahan will look to force Jones into anything he’s not prepared for, saying his role could expand as he learned more of the defense. Jones tallied 145 tackles, 14 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks with the Rams last season and will be relied on heavily in a revamped Titans defense.

The veteran linebacker is now on his way to Tennessee just days after it was reported that the Rams granted Jones permission to seek a trade. Jones has played in 47 career games since being drafted by the Rams in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s totaled 100-plus tackles in each of his last two seasons and tallied a career-high 4.5 sacks last season while also racking up 14 TFLs and breaking up six passes. Jones is in the final year of his rookie contract and is seeking a new deal, which played a role in his seeking a trade. It’s possible the Titans will ink Jones to a new deal in the coming days as they continue to revamp their defense in their first year under head coach Brian Callahan. In addition to Jones, the Titans also received a 2026 sixth-round pick in the exchange.

McVay’s comments don’t give us much to go on at this time, but it sounds like the Rams are still working through things with their star linebacker. It was reported on Sunday that the Rams granted Jones permission to seek a trade as he reportedly seeks a new contract. Jones wasn’t seen at practice on Monday, but it doesn’t sound like a parting between the two sides is imminent at this time. This won’t be the last we hear about this situation.

Jones totaled 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season and has been a staple on the defense since being drafted in the third round back in 2021. According to Fowler, Jones and the Rams have discussed an extension, but neither side has made any real progress. It’s possible this is more about the Rams wanting other teams to do their bidding for Jones before they swoop in and make him an offer to keep him in town for the long term, but time will tell. Set to turn 25 in November, Jones is a good, young defender who would make any defense he joins better, as long as the price is right.

Jones was sent to injured reserve after picking up an ankle injury in Week 16, but there was always hope he could make it back during the playoffs. The third-round rookie might not return to his starting role, but he should provide some rotational snaps in the NFC Championship.

Jones needs surgery to repair a high-ankle sprain. He’s out at least until the playoffs, and we may not see him again this season. Jones has started seven of the last eight games after the team traded Kenny Young away to the Broncos. The Rams are getting thin at linebacker.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Jones -- who became a starter for LA around midseason -- could return for the postseason even if he misses the team’s final two regular season games. Jones has two sacks and one QB hit through Week 16.

Jones (6’1/230) was a three-star recruit who drew offers from several reputable FBS programs. He won a starting job in 2019 and proceeded to play almost every snap for the next two seasons, leading the team in tackles in both. Jones wraps up his collegiate career with 199 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 7 PBU and two interceptions. He recorded a 38.5” vertical and 10’6 broad jump at his pro day, both 95th percentile marks. However he also posted a ghastly 7.49 3-cone drill and the rest of the testing numbers were merely average. A gym rat and team leader, Jones projects as a two-down run stopper with advanced play recognition instincts and ability to take on blocks. His coverage skills are sorely lacking, as he allowed 21 completions on 23 targets for a 133.2 passer rating against last year. Jones plays with a high pad level at times and doesn’t move well laterally. His ability to locate and bring down ball carriers reminds us of Micah Kiser.

While this season has been a difficult one for the Gamecocks, Jones (6'2/230) had a very good junior campaign. Appearing in nine games, the inside linebacker accounted for 86 total tackles (42 solo, 5.0 for loss), 1.0 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and three quarterback hurries. Jones hit double figures in tackles in four games, which includes a 19-stop effort in the Gamecocks’ October 24 loss at LSU. The South Carolina linebacker has a good shot at going on Day 2 of the upcoming NFL Draft, but if Jones slips into Day 3 he won’t be on the board for long.