Rams pick LB Ernest Jones in round 3 to compete for a spot on the defense

The Los Angeles Rams have picked linebacker Ernest Jones out of South Carolina with the 103rd overall selection of the 2021 NFL Draft. The pick was a compensatory selection gained from losing Dante Fowler in free agency last year.

Jones is 6’1, 230 lbs, with 33 3/8” arms, and his NFL comp at NFL.com is Rams linebacker Micah Kiser. More from Lance Zierlein:

Two-down linebackers with limited speed and below-average athleticism aren’t exactly in vogue these days, but Jones has the field IQ and interior toughness to warrant consideration. He’s a blue-collar linebacker capable of handling the physical duties required of his position, but he will always have limitations in pursuit speed and coverage talent. He has a good feel for diagnosing blocking schemes and finding runners between the tackles, so a role as a backup inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense might be his best fit early on in his career.

“This is one of my guys,” said NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah to the pick. He was effusive in his praise for Jones, even as compared to his usual praise for prospects. Especially ones that he likes. “I love that pick.”

FIRST ROUND RESULTS

Rams Picks

2.57 - Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville

3.103 - Ernest Jones, LB, South Carolina

4.117 - Bobby Brown III, DT, Texas A&M

4.130 - Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas

4.141 - Jacob Harris, TE, UCF

5.170

7.249

7.252