Scouting Jevaris Jones
Earlier this month, the Jets confirmed that they had signed Shorter University linebacker Jevaris Jones to an undrafted free agent contract. Jones had attended the team's rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis.
The 22-year old Jones is 6'1" and 228 pounds and was a three year starter. He was a second-team all Gulf South Conference selection in 2016 after having led the conference in tackles with 106.
Background
Jones spent his freshman year at New Mexico Military Institute at the junior college level, but moved to Shorter University in 2014.
He was a productive player in his three seasons at Shorter, racking up 235 tackles, including a conference-leading 106 in his final year. He also showed some playmaking abilities with 12.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.
Despite his big numbers last year, it was a rough season for Shorter who went 0-11 and were shut out on seven different occasions, conceding at least 32 points each time.
Jones did not attend the scouting combine or play in any all-star games, but after he attended the Jets' rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis, he was offered a contract a few days later. Another undrafted linebacker (Austin Calitro) was released at the same time, suggesting that Jones perhaps outperformed Calitro over the three days.
Let's move onto some more detailed analysis of what Jones brings to the table, based on in-depth research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Jones didn't attend the combine and doesn't have any pro day workout numbers recorded, but he has been described as fast, strong, explosive and dynamic.
According to his Hudl profile, he runs a 4.6 40-yard dash, has a 33.5" vertical jump and can bench 310 pounds and squat 425. While it's not uncommon for prospects to round down (or up, where beneficial) on such pages, Jones does look athletic on film.
He's not very big though, which could mean that he's going to play some kind of hybrid safety role.
Usage
Based on the available footage, Jones played exclusively as an off-ball linebacker. He was usually at outside linebacker (in a 4-3 system) although he occasionally lined up as the MIKE too. In pass rushing situations, he occasionally crept up to the edge of the line or matched up directly with a tight end.
Making reads/instincts
Jones' highlight reel has plenty of plays where he sniffs out a lane to the ball carrier and explodes to the ball, although he was caught out occasionally. In general, he seemed to do a good job of avoiding blockers.
Here's a play where Jones (#29) bounces off the fullback's lead block and gets in on the stop:
On this play, he starts off with outside contain responsibilities but then reads the fact the run is going up the middle and gets off the block to again get in on the stop:
However, at times, his awareness can be lacking, as on this play as the back bounces it to the outside and he gets caught inside by a blindside block:
Pursuit
Jones gives a good effort and shows nice range in pursuit. He seems to take good angles and navigate traffic well.
This play sees he chase a play all the way out to the sideline and finish it off with a big hit:
On this play, he shows the effort and gets rewarded as he chases the receiver down from behind and strips the ball away to force a turnover:
Tackling
Jones has a lot of big hits on his highlight reel. He closes well on the ball and is generally a secure tackler, although at times he launches and/or hits around the head/neck area which is a bad habit.
He shows good technique here as the receiver tries to juke him in the open field and he stands him up and suplexes him to the ground:
Jones has had a knack for forcing fumbles with four in 2014 and another four last year. Here, he strips the ball away from the receiver and recovers it himself:
Pass rush
While Jones posted some good sack numbers with 12.5 in his career and 6.5 in 2016, he's not an edge rusher. He'll occasionally catch out an opposing tackle by rushing off the edge and getting by them before they can get into their stance, but a lot of his pressure came purely from being unblocked.
Because he accelerates quickly and closes well, Jones can be an effective blitzer, although his lack of size would sometimes cause him to be manhandled pretty easily by blockers, even some backs, and that would be more of an issue at the NFL level.
Physicality
As noted, Jones' lack of size is probably going to be an issue. He got lit up on this goal line play by an offensive lineman on the move:
Despite that, he does fly about hitting people, although he clearly operates best in space.
In coverage, he showed some physical coverage in terms of jamming tight ends at the line.
Short yardage
Although he got manhandled on the play above, Jones did come up big on short yardage plays from time to time, including on consecutive plays on this goal line stand:
Coverage skills
Jones has handled both direct coverage assignments and read/react style zone coverages.
He showed some playmaking ability over the course of his career with nine passes defensed and two interceptions.
Special teams
In 2016, it didn't seem like Jones played much on special teams, but his highlight reel has a lot of spectacular plays. He made several tackles in kick and punt coverage, lit up an opponent on a surprise onside kick and blocked this field goal:
Scheme fit
Jones is actually almost the exact same size as Darron Lee, so he could theoretically be groomed for that role. He could also be employed as a sub-package linebacker or some kind of hybrid safety role.
Attitude/Demeanor
On the field, Jones plays with aggression and effort. He was obviously a leader on defense and the team endured a very difficult season in 2016.
Injuries
Jones played in 31 of 32 games over the past three seasons, so apparently doesn't have any major injury concerns.
Conclusions
Unlike some of the rookies, we know for certain that Jones must have made a positive impression at the rookie camp, so he's obviously someone they see something in.
Bryson Keeton and Romar Morris were signed under similar circumstances last season and both are back for a second camp. Keeton even made it onto the main roster and played in the last game of the season.
In the short term, what's most exciting about Jones' film - and clearly his path of least resistance to a role in the near future - is his special teams' potential. Some of his highlights are spectacular and his athleticism and ability to perform in space are quite possibly what stood out to coaches at the rookie camp a few weeks ago.
He's facing an uphill climb, but there are reserve linebacker spots up for grabs, especially for anyone who can contribute on special teams. It's a big jump in level from Division II though, so how soon he could theoretically be ready to compete for a defensive role is anyone's guess.