2014 NFL Combine Preview: Five Pass Rushers to Watch
By Ben Nielsen
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles linebacker Christian Jones (7) tries to tackle Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
5. Christian Jones
School: Florida State
Watch to Watch: 40-time, Shuttle Drill, Bench Press
2013 Stats: 56 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, six quarterback hits
Met with Chiefs: Yes
Here’s another interesting guy to watch for if the Chiefs trade down. Jones is an inside linebacker for the national champion Florida State Seminoles, and could be an interesting piece to put next to Derrick Johnson for the next few years.
Jones is not blazing fast, but is expected to show good speed at the combine, along with good quickness and agility. He’s noted for being a great athlete, something that gets in the way of him becoming a better technical player.
He’s been mocked as high as the 13th overall pick by some, but that seems unlikely.
At 6-4, 234 pounds, with good length and athleticism, he could be the kind of player the Chiefs need in the middle of the field to help in pass coverage. The Chiefs don’t have a lot of depth at linebacker, so a middle linebacker who can both rush the passer and cover wide receivers would be an excellent haul for the Chiefs.
If he shows well at the combine, however, then the Chiefs may never have a chance to draft him.