2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Matt Jones, Linebacker, Baylor

Matt Jones
Baylor
Mike Linebacker
Height: 6040	Weight: 246 Lbs	Year: Senior	Jersey #: 2	Hometown: Odessa, TX
Games Reviewed: Utah, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, LSU
2024 Stats: 104 TOT, 64 Solo, 6 PD, 4 Sacks, 1 FF
Career Stats: 317 TOT, 200 Solo, 17 PD, 12 Sacks, 4 FF, 1 Int
Scouting Report by: Hunter Kirkhope

Critical Factors
3-Down Ability		FBI/Instincts		Play Speed
7		8		7
Positional Factors
3-Level Impact	QB Defense	Stoutness	Shed Ability	Navigate Trash	Tackling
7	6	8	6	7	8
Man Coverage	Zone Coverage	Range	Blitz	Toughness	ST Value
6	7	6	8	8	7

Strengths	Weaknesses
FBI/ Instincts	Average Closing speed limits
Tackling	shed ability
High motor and effort	Man Coverage

Overall

Matt Jones is a cerebral, physical linebacker with the instincts and toughness to anchor the middle of a defense. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and precisely react makes him a reliable run defender and an effective blitzer. Jones is a high-motor player who consistently displays effort and physicality, excelling in gap control and support. His zone awareness allows him to disrupt passing lanes and limit completions in the intermediate areas of the field. However, his man-coverage ability is limited, and he struggles to keep pace with faster-running backs and tight ends. Jones’ block-shedding skills are inconsistent, occasionally allowing linemen to neutralize him at the point of attack. Despite these limitations, his leadership qualities and effort make him a valuable asset for defenses seeking a disciplined and hard-nosed linebacker.

Pass Game

In the passing game, Jones excels in zone coverage, where his awareness and instincts enable him to anticipate routes and disrupt timing between quarterbacks and receivers. He positions himself well to contest passes and has shown the ability to create turnovers when given the opportunity. His blitzing ability is a significant strength, as he times his rushes effectively and uses his physicality to break through protections. However, Jones’ man-coverage skills are a concern, as he often struggles to stay with faster or more agile targets in space. His closing speed is average, which can hinder his ability to recover in coverage or make plays on the ball. Developing better footwork and hip flexibility will be essential for improving his effectiveness in man-to-man assignments.

Run Game

Jones is a standout run defender, consistently diagnosing plays quickly and filling gaps with authority. His tackling technique is reliable, and he rarely misses opportunities to bring down ball carriers. Jones’s effort and physicality allow him to take on blocks and disrupt running lanes, though his ability to disengage from stronger linemen remains an area for improvement. He plays with discipline, maintaining gap integrity and ensuring the defense remains structurally sound. While his lateral agility is not elite, Jones’ effort and instincts compensate, enabling him to make plays outside the tackles when needed. His consistent motor and ability to rally to the football make him a dependable force in the run game.

Last Word

Jones projects as a versatile linebacker with starting potential in a run-heavy or blitz-oriented defense. His physicality and intelligence ensure he will contribute early in his career, particularly in base packages and on special teams.

One-Liner

Matt Jones is a tough, instinctive linebacker with strong tackling and zone awareness, excelling in run defense and blitzing roles.

Grade: 6.6 – Ceiling: 6.9 (20%) – Floor: 6.2 (25%) – Round: 4

Best Fit Teams:

1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ defense relies on linebackers with strong football IQ and tackling ability, which aligns with Jones’ strengths. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and navigate traffic would make him a valuable contributor in Baltimore’s gap-control scheme. His zone coverage skills would help him handle short passing situations effectively.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ defense values linebackers who play with toughness and physicality. Jones’ ability to fill gaps and handle inside runs would improve the Steelers’ run defense. His blitzing ability and closing speed would give Pittsburgh an extra pass-rushing option from the second level.

3. New England Patriots
The Patriots’ defensive structure requires linebackers who can handle complex assignments and adjust to changing formations. Jones’ football IQ and tackling ability would allow him to play multiple roles in New England’s front seven, including as an inside blitzer and zone defender.