Green Bay Packers Draft Countdown: Making the Case for ILB Taiwan Jones

By now, it's clear that 2015 NFL draft prospects Eric Kendricks and Stephone Anthony are obvious choices for the Green Bay Packers as they look to add a starting inside linebacker to the roster. 

However, behind presumed starter Sam Barrington, there's little depth at the position (2014 rookie Carl Bradford and undrafted free agent Joe Thomas headline the unproven group), meaning that the second inside linebacker the Packers select in the draft will also have an important role to fill on the team. 

If someone could draw up the perfectly built, prototypical inside linebacker on paper, he'd likely resemble Michigan State's Taiwan Jones.

Height	Weight	40-yard dash	Vert Jump	2014 Stats
6'3	245 lbs	4.78 seconds	33.5 in	60 T, 12.5 TFL, 4 SCK, 2 PD, 2 INT, 2 FR

The 6'3", 245-pound prospect has 34" arms and 10" hands. He uses that size to be a stout run defender; in fact, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein calls him a "physically imposing 'Hulk smash' linebacker." 

Green Bay's run defense, which finished 23rd in 2014, could sure use some Hulk smash this season. 

The beauty in drafting a physical, violent inside linebacker in the mid-rounds is that he doesn't necessarily need to be able to do it all.

The Packers will be intrigued by Kendricks and Anthony for their first choice at the position because both are talented, multidimensional athletes who can come downhill to make a play on the ball as well as they can cover in space and chase sideline to sideline. 

Those qualities are essential for a player who will be asked to play three downs. 

A fifth-round inside linebacker, however, as Jones is projected to be, doesn't need to be equally proficient against the run and pass. He can be a situational player, and that's exactly what Jones could be for the Packers. 

Many found it puzzling that Green Bay did not even kick the tires on free-agent inside linebacker Brandon Spikes this offseason, a player who is remarkably similar to Jones in build and skill set.

It's not a stretch to suggest that they left Spikes' stone unturned because general manager Ted Thompson's sharp team of scouts found a fifth-round prospect who could play the same role on the Packers defense. 

In fact, CBSSports.com's Brandon Thorn, who notes the similarities between Jones and Spikes, writes that Jones has "slightly more overall athleticism and range than Spikes does."

Jones came off the field on third downs at Michigan State. However, he made a huge impact for the two downs he did spend on the field and was a huge part of the nation's No. 1 defense in 2014 for the Spartans. 

After only moving to inside linebacker in 2014, Jones put up 60 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two passes broken up, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. 

Jones' tape proves that he is quicker than his 40-yard dash time at the combine of 4.95 seconds suggests. He in fact improved that time to the 4.72-4.78 range at his pro day, per CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler. Jones has "quick foot fire and good closing speed to chase down skill position players," per Thorn. 

And Zierlein writes that Jones is a "wrap-up finisher with unexpected closing speed for his size."

Thorn thinks that Jones is so talented that he could be an immediate starter for an NFL team in 2015: "Jones is a true downhill linebacker with more than enough length, strength and girth to come in and start immediately for a NFL team running a 3-4 defense."

Because Jones is a thumper who excels against the run, it's likely the Packers would have him sub into Barrington's "Mike" linebacker spot while the more coverage-oriented "Jack" linebacker—potentially Kendricks or Anthony?—remained on the field. 

The Packers will be looking for a starting inside 'backer a little earlier than Round 5, and ideally they'll draft a three-down player for the job.

But having a starting-caliber backup like Jones to rotate in against teams with strong running games or in running situations would strengthen the front seven overall. 

For additional less high-profile draft prospects the Packers could consider, see my cases for cornerback Quinten Rollins and linebacker Mike Hull.