NFL1000 Scouting Notebook: Chris Jones Becoming X-Factor for Chiefs Defense

Welcome to Bleacher Report’s NFL1000 Scouting Notebook, a weekly series where we’ll use the power of the 16-man NFL1000 scouting department to bring you fresh insights into the league and explain some of the more interesting (and potentially controversial) grades we give players every week.  

The full list of NFL1000 grades will be released Thursday, and we will attempt to preview some of what we are seeing in our film analysis here. 

We will look at Jordy Nelson’s big day with the Vikings cornerbacks going rogue, dive into Adam Thielen’s huge game and answer a few questions on this week’s hot topics. But first, let’s start out with some film analysis of Chiefs breakout rookie defensive end Chris Jones. 

Chiefs Defensive End Chris Jones Enjoying Breakout Rookie Season

Written by Joe Goodberry

Chris Jones was a prospect many liked during the draft process, and the Chiefs grabbed him in the second round despite having quality veteran starters on the defensive line. After Allen Bailey and Jaye Howard got injured, Kansas City went to Jones more, and it has paid off.

Known for a good first step in college, Jones has displayed that in his rookie year and has become one of the best interior rushers in the NFL over the second half of the season. For an example of the type of quick pressure Jones applies in his get-off, take a look at the play above from Week 13 in Atlanta. Jones is the first Chiefs defender moving, and he splits between two Falcons linemen before they’re even out of their stance. Matt Ryan has to hurry his throw because of Jones. 

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But it’s not just his quickness. Jones is displaying better hand usage than expected and has taken many good NFL linemen to school. On this play, Jones beats one of the best guards in the league in Trai Turner with a crisp swim move after leaning into the offensive guard. With his weight forward, Turner left himself open to the swim move. This is a high-level play.

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It’s not just as a pass-rusher, as he’s flashed better against the run of late. Take this play against Denver in Week 12 as an example. Jones fires off the snap and benches the Broncos right guard with a full extension and then discards the lineman before making the tackle behind the line.

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With the talent around Jones on this Kansas City defense, offenses can’t focus on him, and I fully expect him to continue to destroy plays in the playoffs. He’s developing at a rapid pace. Keep an eye on him.

Jordy Nelson Has Huge Week Behind Disastrous Vikings Defensive Strategy

Written by Ian Wharton

In one of the more bizarre and unexpected stories to emerge this season regarding on-field events, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks …

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