press on pick 103 (Jones)

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  • May 1, 2021 at 12:43 am #129418
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    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Rams GM Les Snead on ILB Ernest Jones: “He’s such an instinctive player. … He’s just got that knack to go find the ball, avoid blockers.” Also a longer-armed player that helps with rushing passer as well playing in pass coverage.

    Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
    There is still a role for a LB who’s limited in coverage in today’s NFL. But with what the Rams already have, would’ve much preferred the high-upside, rangy LB type.

    Rams Brothers@RamsBrothers
    The Rams were looking for a high volume tackler who could fill a gap and stop the run. Think they got that with Ernest Jones.

    Axel Kopun@FV_Mylia_Lynn
    Jones is a good player. I have no qualms with this pick. Physical player. Rams need some more physicality in that LB group.

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    More intel on Ernest Jones…
    – Rams evaluators called his situational and spatial awareness and in-game diagnosis “like a GPS” and didn’t see him out of position much
    – Felt the 40 time wasn’t a factor when digging into that plus intangibles (shocker) but history said he’d
    drop which made 88 the better pick point to them for a trade specifically, thinking they’d get him later (Snead said on Zoom just now that they’d have picked him at 88 if they didn’t think he’d drop).

    Well, that sounds kinda familiar.

    May 1, 2021 at 12:54 am #129419
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    Mike Tannenbaum@RealTannenbaum
    Ernest Jones scored as the 3rd highest ILB in the class in the Athletic Success Indicator (ASI) by @The33rdTeamFB, ranking just below former 21st overall pick Jarrad Davis

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    We’re on with new Rams ILB Ernest Jones, who is just beaming Pleading face. He says he did have a clue that the Rams would come get him in the draft. Sounds like they were very high on him throughout the process.

    Jones says Chris Shula was largely his contact throughout the process and the two developed a good bond. He prides himself on preparation and study. Had a monster last two seasons as a tackler and adds, “I don’t feel like it’s right if the MLB doesn’t lead the team in tackles.”

    Jones says “I woke up today with the Rams on my mind.”

    On Jones, Brugler writes: Tough, great length to shed blocks, sometimes seems athletically limited in coverage but quick to react and has great instincts.

    May 1, 2021 at 1:55 am #129422
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    Deadpool

    Earnest Jones

    I just don’t get this pick, it seems like a reach. McGrone, Cox, Browning are all there. Hell, even my guy Garrett Wallow. Same size…better athlete, better stats…I’m at a loss. There were so many good players available, he was a reach. He is rangy to an extent, he doesn’t take on blocks well, he is more of a chase and hit. Solid tackler, but sometimes he has whiffs. I wish his instincts were better. He is good in zone coverage, but not fast enough or twitchy enough to hang in man.

    May 1, 2021 at 3:44 am #129425
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    from https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2021-04-30/rams-first-pick-nfl-draft-louisville-receiver-tutu-atwell-round-2

    ERNEST JONES, linebacker

    6 feet 2, 230 pounds, South Carolina, Round 3, Pick 103

    Notable: Jones started two seasons at middle linebacker and was the leading tackler in both.

    Last season: Jones made 86 tackles in nine games. He recorded more than 11 tackles four times and had a season-high 19 tackles against Louisiana State.

    Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams return all of their inside linebackers from last season — Micah Kiser, Kenny Young, Troy Reeder and Travin Howard — but several are in the final year of their contracts. Jones can serve as backup and contribute on special teams.

    May 11, 2021 at 10:22 pm #129847
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    May 12, 2021 at 4:29 pm #129859
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    Deadpool

    Ernest Jones – the Rams value run stopping and leadership along with instincts as their top 3 traits for ILBers, Reeder, Kiser and now Jones all share that. So looking at what was available in the draft that had those 3 traits at ILB, Jones was high on the list. And looking at what was left, by far the best available. McGrone, Cox, Wallow, Browning, Barnes, Johnson are all more run and chase types. Jones was an obvious choice looking back, knowing what I know now.

    As far as Jones himself. I went back and watched 2 full games. I saw him hesitate at times, I thought it was from lack of instincts. It wasn’t, he was actually letting the back commit to a lane then filling it. It was also hard to find a play where he wasn’t in the frame when you paused the game at the point of the tackle. He is all over. He isn’t the most explosive tackler, but when he wraps you up, you don’t go forward, and you aren’t escaping. You are done. I think he avoids going for knockout shots to make sure you are tackled. Lastly, his instincts get him to the ball carrier as quickly as a 4.5 40 lber because he takes great angles and does well to anticipate. This also helps in dropping into zone coverage. He’s also a lights out, all day lunchpail leader. I think he starts sooner than people think.

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