Green Bay Packers: Josh Jones will do just fine as Morgan Burnett’s replacement

Josh Jones, the Green Bay Packers 2017 second-round pick out of North Carolina State, saw some valuable minutes last season at strong safety. As he is expected to become Morgan Burnett’s replacement you can be assured he’ll do just fine.

As one of three Green Bay Packers’ rookies to play in all 16 games last season, Josh Jones earned more time than some may have expected.

What Jones showcased in his rookie campaign was everything a Packers’ fan could’ve hoped for. He showed that he is a versatile, hard-hitting, eager young player who wants to learn the game. He didn’t care how or where he played last season, he just wanted to find the field.

Thanks to numerous injuries within the Packers secondary last season, Jones was able to play 730 snaps in his rookie season, the third most among the Packers defense. In other words, he had no choice but to learn the ropes quickly in year one.

Entering year two, Jones is now fully aware of what the NFL game is. The pace of play, the physicality, the mental toughness needed, he knows it all. On the Packers website, Wes Hodklewicz quoted Jones saying,

“I started the year off pretty strong, but then, as the year went on, it’s like, I go from playing 12 games in college to playing 20 in the NFL. It just wore on me,” Jones said. “I wasn’t all there mentally. Now, I’ve got my routine down pat. I know what to expect and I’m going to be ready for it.”

His newest task, replacing Morgan Burnett, shouldn’t come as hard to Jones as some would think. After all, he played more defensive snaps last season than all but two of his teammates. He now understands what must go into a full NFL season in terms of preparation. He also has a few starts already under his belt.

Consider his first career start. In week 3 vs the. Cincinnati Bengals, Jones posted a career-high 11 tackles (10 solo) and became the first rookie defensive back in team history (since 1982) to record two sacks in a game.

Now, Jones played most of that week 3 game as the nitro linebacker. This allowed him to blitz off of the edge and use his speed to cause havoc in the backfield. This position also allowed him to react to the ball and display what his athleticism could do in terms if finding the ball and making a play on it.

Besides that game, however, Jones was relatively quiet. Between some poor coverage at times and rookie mental mistakes he had his fair share of issues. However, don’t let that discourage you from also believing Jones will step up in Burnett’s exit. He has all of the makings of a future All-Pro safety once he hones in on correcting his coverage mishaps.

On the other hand, there were times where he came to the rescue of his teammates. These two plays against the Cleveland Browns saved big yard and a touchdown.

He also showed flashes of his instincts and the range he can cover in the secondary.

When thinking about a full season, Jones has what it takes to take over Burnett’s spot and do well there. His swagger on the field and willingness to learn the game are traits that prove Jones will work endlessly to start and succeed at safety. As for his skill set, the power-hitting, freak speed and incredible range are tools that make up an All-Pro safety. I’m not comparing Jones to Earl Thomas whatsoever, but those skills that Jones possesses are to the like of those Thomas possesses.

Based on the scuffle that occurred with tight end Jimmy Graham in training camp on Saturday, Jones is showing he’s not messing around. He’s doing what it takes to earn the starting strong safety role, even if that means playing a little chippy.

Again, Jones’ style of play is aggressive and physical, much like how Mike Pettine likes his defenses to play. Without a doubt, Pettine’s defensive scheme fits Jones’ style very well. Besides having a year under his belt, Pettine’s defense will be a helping hand in Jones making the jump this season.

The opportunity is presenting itself to Jones. Now all he must do is grasp ahold of it and run with it, and that is exactly what you can expect him to do.