For what the Packers will ask their outside linebackers to do in defensive coordinator Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme, versatility is a good attribute to have, something seventh-round selection Brad Jones feels he can bring to Green Bay.
Jones, who was the No. 218 overall pick, was a three-year starter at outside linebacker at the University of Colorado, making him a good fit for a Packers defense looking to add more competition at that position.
"I was really versatile out there (at Colorado)," Jones said. "There were points that I was in a three-point (stance) rushing the passer. There were times that I was dropping back like I was a safety covering a tight end man-to-man."
Jones posted his finest collegiate numbers during his senior campaign in 2008, registering 78 tackles and a team-leading seven sacks on his way to earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press and the league's coaches. He recorded six-or-more tackles in eight games, and also led the team with 14 tackles for loss.
"Brad Jones is a very interesting player," General Manager Ted Thompson said. "We started watching a lot of tape on him over the course of the last month. The more you watch, the more you like, and he lines up everywhere. He'll line up as a pass rusher with his hand down. He'll rush from the inside linebacker spot.
"I think he gives us a guy that can really, really run, has coverage ability, and is a pretty productive pass rusher, so we thought he was a nice get there in the seventh round."
Jones' experience in a similar system in college should help his learning curve as a rookie.
"Really they just thought that I would really fit nicely into their defensive scheme," Jones said. "I was going to be asked to do basically the type of role that I played in college and that would fit well with their program.
"I think I definitely have a knack for rushing the passer. I cover tight ends just about as good as I rush the passer as well. Just playing on the edge in general, I think I do real well."
Jones, who currently checks in at 238 pounds, said he would have no problem adding weight if that is what the team asks him to do.
As a late-round draft choice, Jones will need to stand out on special teams as well in order to earn a roster spot, an area that Head Coach Mike McCarthy said will benefit from the defensive scheme change.
"I can't say it enough, the ability to add the linebacker body types to our football, both with the last addition of Brad Jones and also Clay Matthews," McCarthy said. "I just think you can't have enough of those types of players.
"I feel very good about the current linebacker corps that we have here. That in itself will improve our special teams and also give us the ability to be a much more improved run defense on first and second down."
