EAST LANSING -- The NFL draft gets back underway in Chicago at noon today, with picks 100 through 256 before its completion.
As part of our MLive NFL draft coverage, we'll break down all of the Michigan State draft candidates. Others are expected to sign free-agent contracts after the draft.
Jones, a 6-foot-3, 245 pounder, was a second-team All-Big Ten pick who played outside linebacker his first three seasons with the Spartans as an outside linebacker before transitioning to middle linebacker as a senior.
NFL.com draft evaluation: Physically imposing "Hulk smash" linebacker with outstanding power and toughness but a lack of instincts essential to the position. Jones' coverage limitations could be mitigated by his ability to thump and blitz as a 3-4 inside linebacker next to a more instinctive chaser. At worst, Jones is a backup linebacker and core special-teams player.
NFLDraftScout.com has Jones ranked 168 overall, No. 8 among inside linebackers and projects him as a fifth round pick, and Sports Illustrated has him No. 151 and No. 21 among the linebackers.
Jones matured and became more focused each year at Michigan State, accepting a challenging move to middle linebacker as a senior that should benefit him in the NFL. Jones' physical tools are obvious, and teams would be correct to assume he has a higher ceiling.