The 2011 NFL Draft has a several running backs who look could be effective complements to St. Louis Rams superstar Steven Jackson. Smaller, faster, these players embody the emerging NFL trend of the second half of a running back tandem. One of the more exciting possibilities is Eastern Washington's Taiwan Jones, who has yet to do much running while recovering from foot surgery. On April 14, Jones will have the chance to show the world just what he has to offer when he has his very own pro day workout for 26 NFL teams.
Hat tip to TSTer 2cents for his fan post this evening on Taiwan Jones.
Speed. First and foremost, Jones has game-changing speed. He can run most certainly run a 4.3 forty and is shooting for a time in the 4.2s. That's not just workout speed, draftniks agree that his game tape verifies his speed. NFLDraftScout.com analyst Rob Rang takes it a step further in his analysis. As relayed to Doug Farrar, here's Rang:
Jones has true three-tier speed. He has an explosive burst vertically and laterally, as well as the acceleration to get to the second level of the defense. Once in the open field, his dynamic long speed takes over, making it tough for trailing defenders to get a proper angle on him. Jones is the most dynamic open field runner in this draft.
At 6'0" 194 lbs Jones is not the littlest of "little guys" in this draft, but durability is a big concern. This isn't the first injury of his football career. There are also concerns about his commitment and competitiveness, but those are pretty tough to quantify from this vantage point.
RIght now, Jones is considered a 4th round pick. As you know, an outstanding workout can change that pretty quickly. As 2cents suggests, Jones could be a damn good change of pace back for the Rams and one really nice added dimension to the Rams offense.