The 2017 NFL Draft is filled with multiple linebackers and defensive ends who are professional football worthy. One of those players is Javancy Jones from Jackson State University. Jones played four seasons at JSU and starred at defensive lineman. He is listed as 6’1″ and 245 pounds. During his college career, Jones rallied up 77 total tackles and was named the SWAC player of the year in 2015. He is rated as a second-round pick and could be a potential steal for any team that selects him. His versatile skill set makes him one of the best linebackers in the draft. Jones switched from defensive lineman to linebacker for the 2017 East-West Shrine Game. Finding the next great Myles Jack is just around the corner for the Jaguars or any team in the league.
A number of teams scouted Jones at the game. Of note, the Jacksonville Jaguars were on hand scouting him. The Jaguars are rebuilding on defense, and could select Jones to build around for years to come. With players like Myles Jack, Donte Fowler Jr, and Jalen Ramsey already showing their elusiveness in Duval, adding Jones would bring more of a threat from the Jaguars to the NFL.
Finding The Next Great Myles Jack in the NFL Draft
Javancy Jones brings forth a tremendous work ethic and love for the game of football. In a recent interview, Jones stated, “Being drafted would be a blessing. Not many players have the chance to get drafted and for me to hear my name called would just be a blessing.” Jones decided to attend Jackson State to be close to his mother, who was given three months to live. His brother was already attending JSU when Javancy made the choice. Coming out of high school, Jones was a 2-star prospect. He did have offers from big schools like Alabama, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State. But staying close to home for personal reasons was the best fit for him. On how he would fit into Jacksonville’s defense, Jones said, “Look at players like Myles Jack and Jalen Ramsey. Those guys are great players. I think the Jaguars could draft me and build around me. I want to play in the NFL for 10-12 years.” Jones says he compares himself to current Oakland Raider Khalil Mack. Both Mack and Jones can play defensive lineman and linebacker.
How Javancy Jones Fits into an NFL defense
For Jones, being drafted obviously means everything to him. He has had visits with other teams including the Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones finished his Pro Day last week and the Steelers and New York Jets were in attendance. The reason that Jones deserves to be drafted is simple. Any team in the league could use him immensely on the defensive side of the ball. Should the Jaguars draft him, the team would be getting a steal in the draft. Jones says, ” I always take pride in my tackles for loss.” If put in the situation, he can get to the quarterback quickly and record tackles easily. Being 245 pounds gives Jones an advantage over other current linebackers.
Javancy Jones Deserves to be Drafted
Jones comes into the 2017 NFL Draft seeking to fulfill a dream. Projected as a second-round pick. he will for sure be on a roster come next season. The story behind Jones’ journey to the NFL is humbling and inspiring to hear. The last step of Jones’ pursuit in football is “to make it to the Hall of Fame.” Should he be drafted and play a good career, his name could be called in Canton one day.
