4/27/2018 football Edit

Justin Jones goes to the Los Angeles Charges in round three

Matt Carter • TheWolfpackCentral

Editor

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Jones (27) was second on NC State's defense in tackles for loss last season. (Ken Martin/The Wolfpacker)

NFL teams are proving to love NC State defensive linemen as much as those who covered them over the past three seasons. Defensive end Bradley Chubb went fifth overall in the first round to the Denver Broncos, and then tackle B.J. Hill went fifth in the third round to the New York Giants at pick No. 69 overall.

Fifteen picks after Hill, defensive tackle Justin Jones was taken at No. 84 overall and with the 20th selection in the third round, chosen by the Los Angeles Chargers where he will team with NC State legend quarterback Philip Rivers.

"Fast-riser … a big dude that flashes on tape,” NFL network analyst Mike Mayock said of Jones. “[He’s] 6-2.5, 309 pounds. Every tape you put on, he does some stuff that is pretty special. The problem is it isn’t all the time, so when you take him in the third round what you’re doing is betting on him being a more consistent player at the next level.”

Jones was second on NC State’s defense with 9.5 tackles for loss as a senior, and he finished his career with 22.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. noted that the Chargers had a significant need that Jones could help solve, stating that the Chargers were “soft in the belly.” Los Angeles had the second worst rushing defense in yards allowed on the ground in the NFL last season.

“He’s not a pass rusher,” Kiper said of Jones. “He’s a guy that can occupy and be able to do run responsibility.”

ESPN’s Todd McShay added that Jones brings energy to the defensive front.

“This guy brings intensity that’s remarkable,” McShay said. “Every single down he gives it 100 percent. Three-technique type, always up the field, I think that’s his best trait. He shows the ability to penetrate, disrupt. I think he can continue to get better as a player.

“As mentioned highly competitive, been durable. … He’s a good solid pick in round three.”

The lone starting defensive lineman still on the board from NC State is defensive end Kentavius Street, who tore his ACL during a pre-draft workout with the New York Giants. Both the NFL Network’s Charles Davis and ESPN’s crew stated that they believe Street will join the other three in being picked.