Eagles To Hold Private Workout With Jarvis Jones

As part of the pre-draft process, the Eagles will work out Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones.

Jones (6-2, 245) told reporters at his Pro Day that he has workouts set up with the Chiefs, Lions and Eagles.

The question with Jones is not production. He led the nation in sacks (14.5), tackles for loss (24.5) and forced fumbles (7) last year. But in 2009, he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis while at USC. Jones played two seasons at Georgia, but did not participate in workouts at the Combine in Indianapolis last month.

At his Pro Day, Jones ran a 4.92 40.

“I’m a football player,” Jones said after the workout, per NFL.com. “It’s about football, right? I’m a football player. That’s what I do. At the end of the day, you get those drills — I’m not saying they ain’t worth nothing — but you get those drills, running the 40 and all that stuff. You could get someone off the street who can run a 4.3, but they can’t play football. That’s easy.”

Projections for Jones vary. Many mocks still have him as a top-10 pick, but some see Jones falling further. The question will be how each individual team assesses him medically.

Brian Baldinger of 97.5 The Fanatic and NFL Network thinks Jones would be a great fit for the Eagles at No. 4.

“If Jarvis Jones is there, I mean, to me, my mother can scout Jarvis Jones,” he told PhiladelphiaEagles.com. “He’s the best defensive player in this draft. He’s actually the best 3-4 outside linebacker in this draft. You put him opposite Connor Barwin, I’d be shocked if at the end of the season, you look up and the two of them don’t have a combined 20 to 25 sacks. I’d be shocked.

“If Jarvis Jones is there, it’s a no-brainer for me.”

The Eagles have several options at outside linebacker: Barwin, Trent Cole, Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry. But if they see a difference-maker at No. 4, they won’t hesitate to pull the trigger. It’s been repeated many times, but given the current state of the roster, Howie Roseman and company are committed to taking the best player available.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
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