New York Jets linebacker Taiwan Jones was never considered an athletic marvel during his collegiate career - something which held true to form during the pre-2015 NFL Draft process - yet managed to provide significant impact for a Michigan State defense that was one of the top units in all of college football last year.
While the 6-foot-3, 245-pound Jones likely isn't ready to start for the Jets from Day One and will need time to develop his game at the NFL level in order to overcome his athletic deficiencies, it seems he could be in a perfect spot to earn a roster spot and even some playing time with the New York.
In fact, while offseason work has yet to get fully underway, it seems Jones is already making headway with his new coaching staff.
"The Jets were a good choice as they could use some youth to develop at inside linebacker and don't have any young draft picks at the position. Sources say that Jones has made a positive impression in New York and has already made progress with the coaching staff, including head coach Todd Bowles," writes Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com.
Jones finished his senior season for the Spartans with 60 tackles, four sacks and interception - not great totals and combined with his 4.95 40-yard-dash at the NFL rookie scouting combine, likely pushed him down and off draft boards.
Despite the fact that he went unselected, according to Campbell, many teams actually had a draftable grade on Jones, but the board simply fell in a certain manner.
"Sources from a few teams said they had a late-round grade on Jones," writes Campbell. "When they were picking though, there were players with higher grades available and they simply followed their draft boards. For example, one team said that they landed a player in the seventh round who they had given a third-round grade. They liked Jones, but a better value was available. Sources said that Jones was definitely a draftable prospect and feel that he was just one of those players who slipped through the draft. "
Now in New York, Jones seems to be in prime position to learn at the feet of two of the top 3-4 inside linebackers in the league the next season or two.
"Nine-year veteran David Harris is set at one spot and Demario Davis is the other starter, but Jones is a viable candidate to win a backup spot behind those two. With a new coaching staff and front office, the Jets hierarchy isn't married to any holdovers, so if Jones plays well, he could get consideration as a player to develop into a starting role in a few years. Jones will have to impress on special teams to make the final 53 man-roster, but he certainly seems capable of winning a backup job for New York."
Veteran Erin Henderson signed a one-year, veteran minimum deal with the Jets, though his return from a rehab stint which wiped out his entire 2014 season is uncertain. Headbuster Joe Mays seems likely to nab a back-up spot, but his coverage limitations make him a liability on third-down and at this point in his NFL career, his ceiling as a player is well-established.
If Jones can find a way to stick this offseason, proving he deserves a roster spot with his play on special teams, he could play a key back-up role his rookie year and set his sights on potentially replacing the aging Harris in a season or two.
