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Chiefs grab MSU defensive tackle in second round of NFL draft
By Nick Cole
Published:
Mississippi State’s Chris Jones became 10th SEC player taken in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft on Friday night when the Kansas City Chiefs selected him at No. 37 overall.
Though he started in just three of his first 26 games in Starkville, Jones lived up to his billing as the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2013 signing class by finishing his Mississippi State with a strong junior season.
The 6-foot-6, 308-pound defensive lineman started all 13 games for Mississippi State, accumulating 44 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and four pass breakups. His eight tackles against LSU in Week 2 represented a career high.
Though some questioned his work ethic following an underwhelming 2014 campaign, few doubt his ability to be a dominant NFL player if he’s able to consistently perform at his peak level.
Jones earned Freshman All-America honors from three publications back in 2013, and was named a Second Team All-American by Pro Football Focus in 2015.
Jones showed the ability to move between defensive end and defensive tackle during his three years at Mississippi State, which is a skill that could be particularly useful in the NFL.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
