Ernest Jones shouldn’t have any trouble finding sources of motivation when he steps onto the field this season. Not only did the Rams decline to sign him to a contract extension, but he barely cracked Pro Football Focus’ list of the top 32 linebackers in the league.
And most recently, NFL coaches, executives and scouts gave him no credit when polled on the best linebackers in football. ESPN had NFL talent evaluators vote on the best players at each position and Jones was completely overlooked at the linebacker spot. He wasn’t ranked in the top 10, which isn’t surprising, nor was he an honorable mention. In fact, he wasn’t even in the “also receiving votes” group.
In total, there were 21 linebackers who received recognition over Jones, including Jordyn Brooks of the Seahawks, Zaire Franklin of the Colts and Devin White of the Eagles – all of whom Jones had a higher PFF grade than last season.
At the very least, Jones should be viewed as a top-20 linebacker in the NFL. He had the 11th-best overall grade of any inside linebacker last season, according to PFF, and his 37 pressures were seven more than any other player at his position.
His wide-ranging skill set makes him particularly valuable, showing the ability to track down ball carriers from sideline to sideline and also rush the passer off the edge or as a blitzer up the middle.
He’s the best inside linebacker the Rams have had in quite some time – aside from Bobby Wagner’s one-year stint in 2022 – and they shouldn’t let him get away next offseason.