Ernest Jones

One of the more common refrains across sports is that growth isn't linear, but Jones defies that. He's increased both his snap count and tackle total in all three of his professional seasons. The Rams did plenty to bolster their defense through the draft, but none of the selections will affect Jones' role with the team. In addition to stopping the run, Jones expanded his role as a pass rusher significantly in 2023. After combining to record eight quarterback pressures in his first two seasons, he disrupted the passer 33 times last year. That leaves coverage as the only weakness in his profile, which does keep him off the field on the later downs. In turn, his ceiling is capped to a degree, but he can comfortably be projected for a ton of tackles and a handful of sacks once again.

The departure of Bobby Wagner leaves Jones as the Rams' incumbent top linebacker for a very inexperienced group. Jones made a big leap in his second season in 2022, notching 114 tackles (66 solo), two pass defenses, an interception and a forced fumble while playing in all 17 games. He'll need to continue improving to anchor a new-look defense in the coming campaign and likely will have another considerable bump in production that may look similar to Wagner's robust stat line (140 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions) if the L.A. has any hopes to field a competitive defense.

A 2021 third-rounder, Jones spent the start of his rookie campaign as a special teams performer before earning significant playing time down the stretch at left inside linebacker. With no notable competition behind him on the depth chart, the South Carolina product will have a full season to improve on last year's 61 tackles, two interceptions and one sack in 15 games.

Expect Jones to compete for playing time immediately at one of the Rams' inside linebacker spots. He led South Carolina in tackles the past two seasons before L.A. selected him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Jones boasts sound football acumen and is a solid wrap-up tackler. It's unlikely he emerges as a three-down linebacker at the highest level because of his low-end speed and athleticism, so his fantasy upside probably is capped.