Preseason Player Profile: Jarvis Jones

Jarvis Jones

Defensive End/Outside Linebacker

6’3” 241 lbs.

Georgia

-The premier edge-player in the 2013 NFL draft, Jarvis Jones has almost every tool you could ask for in a pass rusher.

-Jones has an elite first step, and can get an offensive tackle out of position in a second easily.

-He does a good job keeping his balance as he bends the edge when rushing. He keeps his center of gravity low and keeps his feet moving which makes his momentum very hard to stop.

-Jones not only has great speed of the edge, but he also has long arms and great hand placement, which prevents blockers from locking their arms to keep him at bay.

-While speed and balance are key for an edge rusher, a truly elite player knows how to lure a blocker into preparing for an outside rush and then countering with a power move. Look at Terrell Suggs, Jared Allen, and (historically) Reggie White if you need examples. Jones still needs to add more power to truly make him a balanced rusher, but right now he has enough power to use it very effectively as a counter.

-Jarvis also loves contact and he has a nonstop motor as evidence of that. Whether it is a run play thirty yards past the line of scrimmage, or if it is a sack Jones wants to be the one that makes the play.

-He seems to have the strength to either bring down a quarterback with just one arm. If he can’t, he does a good job making sure that he targets the ball and goes for the strip sack.

-I think that Jarvis Jones has the size, recognition, aggression, and skill-set to play any defensive position outside of corner back and defensive tackle. He does a good job closing the gap between he and ball carriers while keeping his body under control. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is not only the top edge player drafted, but also the top defensive player. Jarvis Jones is truly elite, and I think he can be as good as he wants in college and in the NFL.