Why LA Rams LB Ernest Jones is absolutely key to 2021 defense

Tackling machine

And it was during the ESPN televised coverage of this year’s draft, that the one person most directly responsible for why the NFL draft is even televised at all and has become the worldwide event with 30 million viewers it is today, had this to say about Jones:

"“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"

Tackling machine. Has a nice ring to it, Rams fans, eh?

The 6-foot-two, 230-pound Jones led the South Carolina defense in tackles for two seasons running. If you’re keeping score at home, that’s 86 tackles in 2020 and 97 in 2019.

And he comes to the Rams in large part because the Rams running backs coach Thomas Brown was familiar with Jones’s leadership from his own tenure as a Gamecocks running back coach. Their paths crossed, Jones made a solid impression upon a coach who had to face his ability to snuff the run in practice.

It was clear that his insider eyes’ knowledge of Jones’ athletic and leadership abilities helped persuade the Rams to pick up a young man who demonstrated a clear command of, well, taking command, manning the helm of the defense. You’ve got the con, Jones.