stillers4me
05-20-2014, 05:56 PM
If a player's performance at the NFL Combine was the only criteria for draft selection, Howard Jones probably would have been a first-round pick.
The first player from Division II Shepherd chosen for the combine, Jones put up the third-best 40 time (4.60) among defensive linemen, had the best vertical jump (40½ inches) and was second in the broad jump (124 inches).
The 6-foot-2½ Jones displayed so much athleticism at the 330-player combine, which features some of the top athletes in America, he immediately was projected as a mid- to late-round draft pick.
“I thought I'd go to the Cowboys or Miami or Arizona,” Jones said. “I heard fourth round (on).”
Despite getting draft-day calls from the Browns and Cowboys, Jones wasn't selected. He ended up signing with the Steelers (http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/) as an undrafted rookie free agent after they outbid the Cardinals.
Jones was as surprised as anyone. The Steelers had talked to him only briefly at the combine, and other teams showed more interest.
“I know they pass rush tough here. They love pass rushing, so I definitely had to choose the Steelers,” Jones said..........
Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/6101926-74/jones-steelers-combine#ixzz32IcaYVy0
The first player from Division II Shepherd chosen for the combine, Jones put up the third-best 40 time (4.60) among defensive linemen, had the best vertical jump (40½ inches) and was second in the broad jump (124 inches).
The 6-foot-2½ Jones displayed so much athleticism at the 330-player combine, which features some of the top athletes in America, he immediately was projected as a mid- to late-round draft pick.
“I thought I'd go to the Cowboys or Miami or Arizona,” Jones said. “I heard fourth round (on).”
Despite getting draft-day calls from the Browns and Cowboys, Jones wasn't selected. He ended up signing with the Steelers (http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/) as an undrafted rookie free agent after they outbid the Cardinals.
Jones was as surprised as anyone. The Steelers had talked to him only briefly at the combine, and other teams showed more interest.
“I know they pass rush tough here. They love pass rushing, so I definitely had to choose the Steelers,” Jones said..........
Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/6101926-74/jones-steelers-combine#ixzz32IcaYVy0