South Carolina alum proving value of good NFL linebackers
One of the most underrated players in recent South Carolina Gamecocks history is linebacker Ernest Jones. A low 3-star recruit coming out of high school, the Georgia native worked his way to star status at USC. The NFL took notice, and the Los Angeles Rams selected Jones in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
It didn’t take long before Jones became a star at the professional level, too. As a rookie, it took an all-time effort from Cooper Kupp to keep Jones from becoming a Super Bowl MVP. Then, two years later, he set a Rams franchise record for tackles despite playing in just 15 games.
Still, in the modern world of the NFL in which computer programs have convinced scouting departments that running backs and linebackers (even elite ones) are not important players, the Rams didn’t value Ernest Jones enough, and he became underrated once again. With Jones hopeful for a nice payday following the 2024 season, LA traded him during the preseason.
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The Tennessee Titans were the beneficiaries as the organization only gave up a future fifth-round pick for the stud ‘backer. Jones has rewarded the move and did his part to disprove the notion that traditional linebackers can’t be difference-makers.
While both the Rams and the Titans sit at 1-3 on the young season, the numbers behind those records tell a more complete story.
The defense in Los Angeles has been abysmal. The Jones-less unit has given up the most rushing yards and first downs in football. They’ve also surrendered the most yards-per-attempt in the NFL in the passing game.
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Meanwhile, in Tennessee, the Titans have allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL. The also haven’t given up any plays over 40 yards (only the Denver Broncos share that distinction with the Titans).
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In terms of touchdowns allowed, the Rams rank in the bottom third of the NFL in passing and rushing scores. Because of this, Sean McVay’s team has given up the 2nd-most points in the league. In contrast, the Titans sit in the upper third in both scoring categories and surrender six points fewer per game.
Jones’ individual performance stands out, as well. Despite missing part of the Titans’ first game after joining the team that week and missing part of the Titans’ most recent contest with an injury, he leads the team in solo tackles. No. 53 impacts the game in every way a linebacker can: he is a force against the run, he pressures the quarterback, and he is more than capable in coverage.
While it is true that certain positions on the football field aren’t as difficult to replace as others, Ernest Jones has shown this season that losing one of the top players at any position is impossible for most teams to overcome.
During his South Carolina football career, Ernest Jones was a team captain and an All-SEC selection.
