2 ILBs the LA Rams passed on to draft Ernest Jones at 103

Tackling machine

The LA Rams have long been missing out on the player who lurks just behind the defensive line, waiting to ruthlessly punish any ball carrier who breaks through to daylight. A thumper. A purely physical jaw-jarring tackler who can snuff the running game before it ever gets started. During the ESPN televised coverage, ESPN Draft analyst stated:

"“He was the ringleader of the defense and set the tone. He was a tackling machine.” -Per ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper during ESPN live televised broadcast"

Well, at least Jones is not a gnat of a linebacker. The scouts say he will be a nice fit in a 3-4 defensive scheme. He led the South Carolina defense in tackles in two seasons running. So he checks at least a couple of boxes for the Rams.

Los Angeles Rams

The NFL “comparable” most often listed for Jones is none other than the Rams’ own linebacker Micah Kiser. If the player the Rams just drafted reminds most observers of Kiser, I think that means they think he’s Mr. Inconsistent. A few good games, but on the whole, Kiser’s play has been spotty, or spottily impressive. (but not impressively spotty)

And call me old-fashioned, but I don’t usually like to read about a player my team just drafted having one of his draft negatives be listed as “is easily slowed by blocks.” Pro Football Network on Ernest Jones negatives. Not a particularly good thing to hear about a linebacker.

On several draft profiles, however, Jones was listed as a special teams specialist, that he could contribute on special teams. And there is that strong character trait that the LA Rams love. A trait that the Rams head coach could envision to the leadership of the LA Rams defense. Well, that’s logical, as the Rams do in fact need to replace that leadership loss of safety John Johnson.