Datone Jones is Loving his new Position
The career start hasn’t been ideal for the Green Bay Packers’ linebacker and former first round draft choice Datone Jones.
In his first three years as a pro, Jones has only registered 52 tackles and eight sacks. His underwhelming performance on the field has pushed for the Packers to inspire Jones’ play by not picking up his fifth year option.
Jones primarily has struggled with the Packers defense because there hasn’t really been a good fit for him anywhere. This year however, the Packers have moved Jones to an outside linebacker-elephant rusher hybrid.
If you’re unfamiliar with the position, Jones will be able to lineup in the outside linebacker position or get down in a stance and rush the edge. Terrell Suggs has been doing this for years in Baltimore and has been quite successful.
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So far in the 2016 preparations, the move has been proving to be stellar for both Jones and the Packers.
“I’m loving it,” Jones told Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. “A situation happens like this, you can jump in there and boom – you could fill a role and play it. Now, I’m excited because I actually do get a full season to learn coverages, learn how to cover tight ends and running backs. Just rush from different angles.”
Jones saying he is loving the transition is an understatement. Since head coach Mike McCarthy mentioned that he would be switching positions in March, Jones has been training and preparing hard.
“I have a six-pack now,” Jones said jokingly. “I feel good. I’m trying to do whatever it takes to be able to compete, go out on Sunday and display what I can do.”
All that training Jones has been doing should make for a great year in what could be a make-or-break year for Jones. His teammates are getting on the Jones train and feel that he is making the transition quite seamlessly.
“That guy is a natural outside. That’s where he’s supposed to be,” teammate Mike Daniels said. “You can tell he definitely feels more comfortable. He’s playing more physical and I absolutely love it. I look forward to getting him out there. When we get into the three-man front and Datone is the outside linebacker, it’s almost like we’re in a 4-3. It’s great.”
Jones had success last season when he was moved in this spot against Minnesota on November 22, where he tallied two tackles and two sacks.
With a year of preparation and the confidence he and his team has for him in the new position, Jones will finally have success in 2016.
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