Inside Linebackers The Houston Texans Should Target In Draft
By Travis Oquin
Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Justice Hayes (5) attempts to stiff arm Michigan State Spartans linebacker Taiwan Jones (34) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-11. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Taiwan Jones (3rd-4th round) 6’3”, 245 – Michigan St.
Taiwan Jones is a linebacker that could be a fall back option if the Texans look at other positions in the first and second rounds. He should be available to them in the 3rd round and if available in the 4th, he would be solid value pick at that point.
Jones only ran a 4.95 at the combine but improved that to a 4.80 at his Michigan State Pro Day. He’s not an elite athlete but he’s a solid downhill linebacker that projects best to a 3-4 scheme, on the inside. He’s also a sure tackler with excellent closing speed on the field.
Jones also makes good decisions and reacts well to the offense anticipating plays, indicating level of being prepared for his opponents. Here is Taiwan Jones taking on Nebraska in 2014.
More from Houston Texans
- Houston Texans: 4 reasons Romeo Crennel is right coach right now
- Houston Texans: The Most Underrated Sports Drought Ever
- Houston Texans: J.J. Watt’s early case for NFL Hall of Fame
- Houston Rockets and Texans: Two different coaches with one glaring similarity
- Houston Texans: DeAndre Hopkins and the Patrick Ewing Theory
A relatively common comparison for Taiwan Jones is a more athletic version of Brandon Spikes and I do think that is fairly accurate. Jones makes plays particularly against the run in 3-4 defenses and should be a solid inside linebacker for years to come.
The Texans spoke to Jones at length at his Pro Day and also did an individual workout with him.
The question for the Texans will be is he enough of an upgrade over Akeem Dent and Justin Tuggle and the like to be worth spending a 3rd or 4th round pick on? If they go with other positions in the first and second rounds, I believe he is.
Click for my look at the Outside Linebackers.
Click for my look at the Wide Receivers.
Click for my look at the Cornerbacks.
Stick with us here at House of Houston for all your Texans draft coverage. Click here for all the latest stories.