My 2019 Breakout Player Prediction: Josh Jones

Here’s a player who has a name recognition problem. When he came to Green Bay in 2017, the team already had a couple guys named Josh, and a few named Jones. It only got worse in 2018, when the team drafted another defensive back: Josh Jackson.

Going back over my old notes, I was impressed by Jones’ size, athleticism, and toughness. The guy stands almost 6’3”, weighs 220, and runs a 4.41 dash time – and he reeled off 20 reps on the bench. That’s just what I love to see in a safety.

The big story coming out of his rookie camp was that Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers expected to employ him as a hybrid safety/linebacker – though that plan never really took hold. Capers in fact favored Kentrell Brice over Jones in 2017.

Here’s what I said prior to the start of that first season:

(I)t’s Green Bay’s second 2017 pick, Josh Jones, that has electrified the fans. Jones is a big and strong safety – but he also has the athleticism usually associated with a small cornerback. His 4.41 dash speed bests King (4.43) Randall (4.44) and Rollins (4.57). Best of all, Jones loves to hit people – it’s his size and physicality that has the Packers’ coaches drooling over the possibilities of using him as both a linebacker and a defensive back.

Jones as a rookie ran up very decent numbers while playing about two-thirds of the time: 71 tackles, two sacks, and five passes defended.

Stefon Diggs (14) drops a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against Green Bay Packers defensive back Josh Jones (27) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, he was unable to match those stats in 2018. He started his second year off on a down note by injuring his ankle during practice and going inactive for the first three regular season games. He didn’t earn a start until December, but once he did he finished out the season with the following tackle totals: 5, 6, 6, 12, and 3.

The most disappointing thing about Josh has been a lack of big plays: two sacks, five passes defended and one interception in 2017, and one sack, two PDs and no interceptions last year. He has yet to cause or recover a fumble as a pro.

It could be that Jones was not quite ready when he chose to turn professional after his junior year at NC State, an AAC team. Trying to thrust the young rookie into a hybrid role also might have been unwise.

Josh Jones celebrates with Jaire Alexander – Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

When Jones turned pro, one scouting report issued by nfl.com was rapturous:

“He’s another one that will hit you. He’s a real physical football player. . .He’s a tremendous athlete and the Packers love cross-training guys, corners and safeties. . .Extremely aggressive. Bouncy feet can’t wait to fire downhill and hit something.”

That’s what many of us expected to see from the Pack’s second round pick in 2017 (61st overall). We’re still waiting.

This is the year for Jones to bust out, or be relegated to a backup role. He needs to be become more assertive in challenging receivers who enter his space. He’s got all the tools and athleticism you could ask for in a safety. If he lives up to the hype he came into the league with this year – coupled with his three new defensive free agent teammates – the Packers’ defense could rapidly become stupendous.