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In the 2010 NFL draft the Miami Dolphins took Reshad Jones in the 5th round out of the University of Georgia.
Jones nearly entered the draft following his sophomore season (he was a redshirt freshman) but he did return to Georgia for his junior year. He then decided to forgo his senior season and enter the draft.
His play has improved seemingly with each game, surely with each season.
In his rookie campaign Jones played in 13 games, 2 of those were starts. Last season that improved to 15 games with a dozen starts. This season he has played, and started, all 6 games for the ‘Phins.
In college Jones was a tackling machine. The new Dolphins regime stresses technique, and that is why they love Jones. His tackling technique is aggressive and sound.
He was the Bulldogs best player at pass breakups and INTs, but those areas do require improvements at the NFL level. He is better in a Cover 2 role rather than in a Cover 1 scheme.
As the NFL level Jones has continued to be a solid tackler. At 6’1″ 215 he has a very solid frame that packs a punch. He is an aggressive run-stopper who anticipates and attacks running lanes very well.
He is the kind of safety that puts fear into opposition WR if/when they cross over the middle of the field.
Jones has strength. Jones has explosiveness. Jones has athleticism. Jones is durable and tough.
He is an asset to the rush-defense, and is becoming more of a ball-hawk this season to round-out his game.
He is better in zone coverage than man-to-man. There is work to do to improve his skill and technique in coverage, but he has the tools to get better. His short strides are ideal for quick-cuts, but do not allow for blazing speed so he does need to be wary of getting beat deep. He uses his hips well
His production has improved each season, and I anticipate that to continue under Kevin Coyle who has a long history of getting good play from his secondary. Jones went from 21 tackles to 67 last season, and already has 32 this season. His sacks went from 1 to 2, but what is exciting is he already has 2 INTs this season (career-high).
Jones’ play has been perhaps under-the-radar in 2012, but he is a clear contributor to this really good Dolphins defense. I think he will be a very good ‘Phin for years to come. He was a leader in college and he will be a guy that leads more-and-more in Miami too.
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