Did the Dallas Cowboys find an undrafted defensive gem?
Despite not drafting a linebacker this year, the Dallas Cowboys may have found a hidden gem at the position as an undrafted free agent.
The Dallas Cowboys entered into this new year with plenty of needs to address. Most notably the Cowboys wanted to find a premier pass rusher. But one position most agreed did not need to be addressed was linebacker.
The Cowboys already have two-time Pro Bowler Sean Lee cemented at weakside linebacker. And Dallas selected Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith high in the second round of last year’s draft. If Smith is able to recover from a devastating knee injury, he certainly represents the future of the middle linebacker position in Dallas.
Beyond, Smith and Lee, the Cowboys have a plethora of talent to provide depth at the linebacker position as well compete for the starting strongside role. Those players include Anthony Hitchens, Damien Wilson, Mark Nzeocha and Kyle Wilber.
In fact, the Cowboys felt so secure with their linebacker corps that they didn’t even select one in last month’s NFL Draft. That is a first since 2004.
Still, America’s Team may have found themselves a hidden gem at the position anyway in an undrafted free agent out of Northwestern named Joseph Jones. That’s according to the former Cowboys vice president of player personnel for 28 years, Gil Brandt.
"“…I like [Joe] Jones, an undrafted free-agent linebacker that they picked up from Northwestern,” Brandt told the Dallas Morning News recently. “The trend is now towards these smaller linebackers, and he’s a guy that’s about 6-foot, 230-35 pounds, but yet runs around 4.5, and so everybody’s looking for linebackers that can run and be a part of the passing game.”"
Pro Football Weekly proclaimed Jones to be a late riser prior to the draft citing the fact his 40-time, between 4.45 and 4.50, his 6.72 three-cone time, 4.21 20-yard shuttle and 35.5 inch vertical all would have placed him in the top five among his peers at the NFL Scouting Combine. (which he wasn’t invited to attend)
Last season, Jones recorded 46 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and 2.0 sacks at Northwestern. Unfortunately, Jones’ diminutive size and one-year of starting experience left him undrafted.
If this rookie linebacker is going to make it onto a very talented Cowboys roster, he’ll have to make his bones on special teams. Lucky for Jones, that’s exactly what he wants to do.
"“I love special teams. I’m all about it,” Jones told Pro Football Weekly. “If I had to choose, special teams or linebacker, I think at the end of the day I’d choose special teams. In the sense it’s the same play over and over, but it’s that 1-on-1 battle each time. You know what he’s doing, he knows what you’re doing, it’s let’s grind it up and be physical and see who wins at the end of the day. It gives me a lot of energy.”"
Next: Seven Dallas Cowboys who could be traded or released
When looking for undrafted hidden gems, you are often simply looking for traits. Jones certainly possess the speed and athleticism to compete on the NFL-level. The rookie defender may also be a candidate to play safety, if the Cowboys believe he is a better scheme fit there. Regardless, the undersized linebacker will likely have to make an major impact on special teams to make this stacked Dallas squad.