Michigan State senior inside linebacker Greg Jones II enters the 2011 NFL Draft as a versatile prospect and should be one of the first 'backers selected.

A tackle machine, Jones made 106 stops in 2010 and 153 the prior year. In 2008, he was involved in 127 takedowns. Also a capable blitzer, Jones racked up 16.0 sacks in four years, highlighted by a 9.0-sack 2009 season.

Strengths

• Instinctual, heady player
• Very competent run defender
• Athletic enough to keep up with most running backs
• Breaks down well in space

• Intelligent but undersized

  Fantastic tackler, especially in pursuit
• High level of production
• Adept pass rusher
• Capable in pass coverage
• Tough and durable
• Relentless with a non-stop motor
• Quickly shoots the gap 
• Well-respected team leader

Weaknesses

• Size (6-foot 1/8, 242 pounds)
• Overly aggressive in his angles in run support
• Has trouble covering tall tight ends and quick-twitch wideouts
• Struggles to shed blockers at times

Expected draft placement

It is possible that some team late in the first round likes Jones' skill set enough and brings him on board, but he is more likely to be a second-round pick. He could play inside linebacker in a 3-4 system but would make the ideal middle linebacker in a Cover 2 base.

Teams that could strongly consider him include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers.