Christian Jones impressing Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are expected to be one of the best teams in football this season.
More from Chicago Bears
- Ryan Poles’ first contract extension as Bears GM is a big one
- NFL rumors: 3 edge rushers Bears could still add to fill glaring need
- Justin Fields, self-proclaimed Top 5 rushing QB ever, eyes elusive Bears record
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- NFL coach bashes the Bears for letting star leave
They already have a talented quarterback in Jay Cutler, an excellent running back in Matt Forte and one of the best wide receivers duos in football in Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall.
After finishing 8-8 in 2013 and missing out on the postseason, the Bears made a few big changes. They lost defensive end Julius Peppers to the rival Green Bay Packers, but signed Oakland Raiders’ free agent Lamarr Houston and Minnesota Vikings’ free agent Jared Allen to upgrade the pass rush.
Mike Wright of ESPN Chicago believes former Florida State Seminoles’ linebacker Christian Jones, who went undrafted, also has a chance to make an impact in Chicago.
"It’s too early to say whether he’ll make the team, but in my mind that player is linebacker Christian Jones, who was a big-time standout at Florida State but wasn’t drafted. At FSU, Jones played all over the place and started games at every linebacker spot for the Seminoles, in addition to defensive end. He was expected to be picked as high as the second round, yet his name went uncalled during the draft. At rookie minicamp back in May, Jones admitted that a diluted drug test at the NFL combine in February likely resulted in teams shying away from him. Here’s an interesting note about Jones: His father, Willie Jones Sr., played at Florida State with Bears linebackers coach Reggie Herring, which is part of the reason the rookie chose to sign with Chicago. “I knew I’d get some good coaching from [Herring] and I know about the Bears history, winning nine championships,” Jones said. “It’s a great organization and I just wanted to be a part of it. It’s a lot of motivation [to go undrafted]. It’s the competitive side. You see guys getting drafted above you. Everybody thinks they’re better than somebody. But that’s how it is. It’s going to help fuel me, and I believe things happen for a reason. I really feel like I belong here, and I’m just making the best of the opportunity.” I’d say keep an eye out for Jones because he’s a player."
Jones made 56 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and one interception for the National Champion Seminoles last season. In his four-year career, he made 223 tackles, 24.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks and one interception.