Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Profile: Chris Jones
If Chris Jones wants to be an every down contributor in KC’s defense he needs to be as good at stuffing the run as he is at getting into the opposing backfield. While the plays where Jones holds his ground against offensive linemen in the ground game may not be as flashy as the plays where he flies into the backfield they are just as crucial to the success of the Chiefs base 3-4 defense where defensive linemen are expected to occupy blockers, fill gaps, and let the linebackers roam free to make a play. So can Jones be that guy?
Well, first let me say that Jones didn’t seem to be asked to do that a lot in Mississippi State’s defense. They seemed to just let Jones attack most of the time. However, as you comb through his game tape you can find some plays that show the potential to excel in KC’s base defense. The following couple of clips show a little of what I’m talking about.
This first clip is from his game against LSU and shows Jones hold his ground against the center and is even strong enough to reach out and stop the running back with one arm while still engaged with the center.
This next clip is from Jones’ game against Texas A&M. In this clip Jones is able to keep his eyes on the ball carrier while getting blocked. He moves along the line of scrimmage and is able to disengage and fill the hole to make the stop.
I certainly won’t sit here and say that Chris Jones is ready to step in and be a two gapping 3-4 defensive end in KC’s base defense on day one of training camp. It isn’t a role that he’s had to play very often.
However, Jones has displayed the strength needed and he certainly has the size to do it as well. It will be a matter of coaching and willingness on Jones part to have the discipline to do his job and not just attack every snap. Given his lack of effort on some snaps this has to at least be a slight concern. It will again be up to KC’s coaching staff to get the most out of him.
Next: What I see