Chris Jones Declares for 2016 NFL Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Mississippi State junior defensive tackle Chris Jones announced Tuesday he will enter the 2016 NFL draft.

Jones—a 6’6”, 308-pound brute—was a second-team All-American by Pro Football Focus and has reportedly signed with super agent Drew Rosenhaus, according to Michael Bonner of the Clarion-Ledger.  

Jones played in 39 games, including 16 starts, but he never quite manifested into the player the Bulldogs hoped for as the nation’s No. 2 strong-side defensive end prospect, per 247Sports.

Jones admitted prior to the season that he took a downturn during his sophomore campaign, per Bonner, but he bounced back for a nice finish, tallying 44 tackles (7.5 for loss) and 2.5 sacks.

Jones released a statement through the school on Tuesday, which he also shared on Instagram:

As Robbie Faulk of 247Sports noted, his early departure didn’t come as a major shock:

While he underachieved in three seasons in Starkville, perhaps with the right coaching and development—and not having the lofty tag of being one of the nation’s top recruits—he’ll blossom into a viable option as a mid-round pick.