Kansas City Chiefs select Chris Jones

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Chris Jones out of Mississippi State University with the 37th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. 

Chris Jones is the type of versatile defensive lineman who is big and strong enough to play tackle but quick enough to play end. He did both at Mississippi State.

Jones came out of Houston, MS as the number two overall prospect in the country regardless of position in 2013, according to 247Sports. The only player ahead of him was fellow defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche who landed up the road at Ole Miss.

During his time at MSU, Jones helped the Bulldogs achieve the program’s first No. 1 ranking in history and played in the 2014 Orange Bowl. They also reached the nine-win mark twice after having only done that six times prior in 108 seasons.

Despite playing big time games in the SEC, Jones is still pretty raw. His early entry into the NFL Draft was due to his sheer athleticism. He actually didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school. At 6′-6″ 310 pounds he’s a physically imposing threat, especially when lined up on the outside which he can do.

It took Jones a couple of years to crack the starting lineup at MSU, but that was due more to head coach Dan Mullen’s loyalty to upperclassman than anything. From day one on campus, it was clear he was the most talented player on the Bulldogs’ front line.

During his Mississippi State career, Jones tallied 94 tackles, 17.5 TFL and 8.5 sacks. He also notched 10 passes defended.

There have been questions raised about Jones’ motor. He was known to not give 100 percent on every play, and with the talent he possesses it is somewhat curious he didn’t start until his junior season. He gained attention at the NFL Combine by having a wardrobe malfunction during the 40 yard dash.

Chris Jones is the type of player that could either skate by as an NFL backup on talent alone or could become a star with his untapped potential. We’ll see what the future holds for this former Bulldog.