Round 2: Josh Jones, S — North Carolina State
If the selection of Kevin King was excellent, the same can be said for safety Josh Jones. In the same boat with King, the Packers defensive backfield needed depth and lots of it.
The Packers are not just building their defense for the current season, but for the future, and that is where Josh Jones of North Carolina State comes into play. Currently, the Packers depth chart has Ha Ha Clinton-Dix listed as the free safety and Morgan Burnett as the strong safety. But behind those two it is slim pickings for who will fill in.
In 13 games with NC State this past season, Jones collected 109 tackles, also with three interceptions and eight passes defensed. He also had one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. For his three-year career, Jones finished with 229 tackles (139 solo) with 8.5 for a loss, eight interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com says Jones brings the Packers a player who can play not only safety, but be productive at cornerback as well. Jeremiah said:
"“Josh Jones is somebody that can play some corner and can also play safety. He tested extremely well. He’s another one that will hit you. He’s a real physical football player. … He’s a tremendous athlete and the Packers love cross-training guys, corners and safeties. Here’s another one.”"
Jones was the third-rated strong safety by CBS Sports entering the NFL Draft, and the Packers gained the services of a player who eventually will make offensive coordinators have some sleepless nights before they face him.
Expectations are high for Jones being a second-round selection, and this may end up being the best of all the Packers’ draft selections.