Name: Jarvis Jones
Height: 6' - 3"
Weight: 241 lbs.
Class: Junior
Hometown: Columbus, GA
DOB: 10/13/1989 (23 yrs. old)
High School: Carver
2012 Junior Year: 2012 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, AFCA First Team All-American AFCA, AP, Walter Camp....Unanimous First Team All-SEC....77 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 interception in 11 games.
2011 Sophomore Year: First Team All-American by AP, AFCA, FWAA, Walter Camp, ESPN, SI and Second Team All-American by Yahoo Sports and Rivals.com....Unanimous First Team All-SEC....70 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles in 14 games.
2010 Transfer Year: After not getting cleared by Southern California's medical staff, Jones asked for and was granted his release to transfer, choosing to go back to his home state and the University of Georgia.
2009 Freshman Year: Played as a backup and saw significant time on special teams as a freshman at the University of Southern California.....played in 8 games before suffering a season ending neck injury against Oregon State.
2012 Junior Year Highlights:
2011 Sophomore Year Highlights:
Strengths:
- Quick off the edge and extremely disruptive
- Above average closing speed and acceleration
- Uncanny change of direction and body control; can get around the edge with excellent body bend
- Consistent motor, doesn't give up on a play or take plays off
- Good awareness and anticipation
- Quick at diagnosing and reacting to plays
- Finishes plays from the backside and great in pursuit
- Flows well through tight areas to the ball on run plays
- Plays well in space and can break down to make the tackle
- Fundamentally sound tackler
- Has a great strip/hack move when going in for tackles and sacks
Weaknesses:
- Less than ideal arm length could affect his impact as a consistent pass rusher in the NFL
- Has a condition called spinal stenosis that may affect his future as a pro
- Susceptible to being over-aggressive rushing upfield, leaving running lanes for RBs
- Can get pushed around by bigger OL
NFL Player Comparison: LB Cameron Wake Miami Dolphins
Analysis:
Jarvis Jones is one of the most productive pass rush prospects in recent drafts. Though not at the level of LB Von Miller, Jones is a better prospect than both Bruce Irvin and Melvin Ingram were in the 2012 draft. Jones has the frame to put on an additional 10 lbs and become a stronger anchor on the edge without losing his explosion. Though his listed height is 6' - 3", I suspect his real height to be about an inch shorter. Jones possesses cat quick acceleration off the snap and can maintain his speed off the edge with great body bend. Jones' ideal position would be as a 3-4 rush OLB, but has the skill set to be scheme versatile. Projected anywhere from 3rd overall toward the end of the top 10, Jones is undoubtedly the most disruptive defensive player in the 2013 draft. His stock may take a hit depending on his Combine physical due to his diagnosis of having spinal stenosis after his freshman year at USC ended prematurely with a neck injury. If Jones can develop a power pass rush move to compliment his burst off the edge, he could make an instant impact in this pass happy NFL, where pass rushers are at a premium.
Outlook on the Raiders:
GM Reggie McKenzie and head coach Dennis Allen have to decide which way this defense is going to go in 2013. I suspect though Allen's job may be safe, unfair or not, defensive coordinator Jason Tarver may not be so lucky. After much success as one of the leagues top pass rush units under former defensive line coach Mike Waufle for the past few season, the Raiders are near the bottom of the league in that category in 2012. Unlike previous high draft pick Rolando McClain, Jarvis Jones has shown to be a great competitor who plays with purpose and determination. Jones has overcome personal obstacles off the field to becoming a consistent leader on a vaunted Georgia defense. He would be an immediate starter and could be the pass rushing playmaker the Raiders have lacked since the likes of Derrick Burgess.
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