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Nebraska football: How the Huskers are performing at the NFL Combine

By Oliver VanDervoort

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Linebacker Eric Striker of Oklahoma runs the 40-yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Linebacker Eric Striker of Oklahoma runs the 40-yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Chris Jones repping Nebraska football well.

When it comes to whether or not Chris Jones is going to make the jump from the Nebraska football team to the NFL, it appears it’s going to come down to his ability to defend a pass.

The ball-hawking defensive back was once considered one of the best DBs in the Big Ten. An injury before the 2017 season and a poor regular season has dramatically dropped his stock.

NFL Scout Lance Zierlein seems less than super impressed with what he’s seen from Jones. Overall, the defensive back has gotten a grade of 4.90 out of 10. This means that while he should get an invite to a training camp, playing in a regular season game isn’t likely.

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Among the problems Jones has been demonstrating thanks to film, Zierlein has said that Jones’ hips are a little too brittle to be a great defensive back. Perhaps the worst knock against Jones is that his footwork isn’t particularly good.

Jones has been said to have problems changing direction. That review comes from before he was hurt, which makes you wonder whether he’s gotten better or worse in the meantime.

Zierlein did have nice things to say about Jones, including the fact that he’s strong and can be a problem for receivers when he’s pressing. He’s also got soft hands that makes for a turnover machine when he is in position to intercept the pass.

The really good thing is that Jones has not been able to show his speed and agility in the usual drills. It’s possible when he does get to show what he can do, his grade will go up a bit. Jones is attending the combine with added weight on his shoulders as his grandfather just passed away. He’s hoping he can have a good showing.

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