What he stated:
POSITIVES
— Feisty participant who’s extremely aggressive. Didn’t again all the way down to any of the competitors from the 2022 season.
— Fast toes with excellent physique management. Retains an excellent base and performs with good stability.
— Aggressive towards the run. Triggers shortly to what he sees.
NEGATIVES
— Undersized participant who lacks each ultimate peak and dimension.
— Poor eye self-discipline at occasions. Eyes can get locked onto the quarterback for too lengthy.
OVERALL
Steven Jones Jr. Is a scrappy, undersized participant who performs larger than his listed dimension. He’s an aggressive participant who has the flexibility to play within the slot in addition to exterior. He has a skinny body, which may present up at occasions in each the run and cross video games, however he’s largely in a position to work via it.
When enjoying as a cross defender, he excels in protection. He has a easy pedal that enables him to shortly get out of his breaks and redirect. When driving on routes, he reveals an excellent burst and does a terrific job of working via the ball-carrier. Whereas working downfield, he typically seems to make use of his arms to regulate the receivers and preserve shut contact. A loose-hipped athlete, Jones does an excellent job of sinking his hips to reflect breaks. When the ball is within the air, he does an excellent job of staying calm and competing on the catch level. At all times seeking to capitalize on a turnover, he does an excellent job of settling for the cross breakup when he’s out of vary for the interception. Enjoying totally on the skin for the Mountaineers, Jones has additionally proven the power to maneuver inside and play the slot.
As a run defender, Jones does simply pretty much as good of a job at competing. He does a terrific job of constructing quick reads and shortly triggering the run. He typically makes use of his quickness to defeat blocks near the road of scrimmage whereas additionally making performs on the ball-carriers. Due to his slighter body, he typically chooses to run via the legs of ball carriers, which may result in missed tackles or additional yards. When in open house, he does an excellent job of taking the right angle and working his toes via contact.
Finally, Steven Jones Jr. constructed up a formidable resume at Appalachian State, and he ought to be capable of translate his expertise to the subsequent stage. He’ll more than likely have to maneuver inside to enjoying nickel full-time, however together with his ability set, he can add depth to the room as an outdoor nook. Groups might take a late Day 3 flier on Jones simply so that they don’t should get right into a bidding struggle with different groups in free company.