Josh Jones Isn't Micah Hyde, In Fact He's Better

Josh Jones will soon make Green Bay Packers fans forget all about Micah Hyde. 

Josh Jones is a new kind of safety, one the Packers desperately needed.

Josh Jones is a new kind of safety, one the Packers desperately needed.

The Green Bay Packers did a lot of good things on NFL draft weekend, but one of the best picks by far will be the selection of NC State safety Josh Jones in the second round.

When the Packers selected Jones, you might have been asking, why another safety, when the Packers could have used another corner? Well the answer, is that Jones will prove to be much more than just a safety. 

Sure, he will play a safety-type role. He will probably play in a lot of the same spots that Micah Hyde used to. But in another sense, he can and will do so much more.

Athletically, there is no comparison between Jones and Hyde, who is a good football player, but a pedestrian athlete. 

Hyde is 6-0, 212 pounds and runs a 4.56 40. Jones, on the other hand, is 6-1, 220 pounds and runs the 40 in 4.41. He also outperformed Hyde in every other measurable test. Simply put, Jones is bigger, faster and stronger. And while measureables aren't the only thing that matter, at the NFL level, they still matter quite a bit.

I like Hyde. He was solid in Green Bay and obviously, he had always had a knack for finding the ball. He made big plays sure, but he also gave up more than his fair share. He's a decent third safety, but he's a bad nickel corner. If he has to cover anyone one-on-one, you're team is in trouble. 

Hyde is too slow for wide outs, too small for tight ends and sometimes too slow. With Jones, that won't be the case.

But the real reason to be excited about Jones, is that he gives the Packers a new-age defensive back they have been missing. Like the Cardinals have done with Deone Bucannon, Green Bay should use Jones plenty as a linebacker, especailly in their nickel and dime packages. He's almost built like one, but runs like a DB. 

Jones can run, he can hit and he can cover. Like Hyde, he can also make plays on the ball. 

In three years for the Wolfpack, he intercepted eight passes, notched 4.5 sacks and had three forced fumbles to go along with 17 passes defensed. 

Jones is still raw. He is a big hitter that sometimes overuns plays and gets hurt by being too aggressive. However, the Packers need that agression. They need that physical presence, who can be all over the field and Jones can be that guy. 

Hyde was a solid player, but Jones brings an entirely different dimension to the Green Bay defense, one it hasn't had previoulsy in the Dom Capers era. 

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Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru

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Comments (75)

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 04, 2017 at 12:37 pm

I'm really excited about this kid too.

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Rcariveau's picture

May 04, 2017 at 12:42 pm

He is a better athlete than Hyde, plus the packers will most likely get a 4th RD comp pick next year for Hyde leaving. Defense gets a little better and an extra pick next year. Good move TT!

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dblbogey's picture

May 04, 2017 at 02:53 pm

Hyde, TJ Lang, Eddie Lacy. We are going to have several nice comp picks. Hope it's a good, deep draft in 2018.

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croatpackfan's picture

May 05, 2017 at 02:10 am

It is always good, deep draft. Question is only at what position. This season was DB + RB + TE. Next season might be DL, LB, WR, PR, KR... Wh knows? Well, scouts knows!

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ChrisPeterson's picture

May 04, 2017 at 12:44 pm

That's good point about comp pick. I have just been waiting for Packers to get a safety like this for a while. I love the size and speed they have added in the secondary.

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Finwiz's picture

May 04, 2017 at 12:53 pm

It wouldn't take much to forget Micah, the Enigma, Hyde, but Josh Jones will make that a reality fairly quickly.

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MarkinMadison's picture

May 04, 2017 at 12:54 pm

Physically, King and Jones are probably the two most gifted DBs I can remember being drafted by the Packers. Woodson (drafted by Oakland) came into the league at 6'1" 210 lbs. and with a sub-4.4 40. From a production standpoint though, Woodson had more INTS (18) than both of them combined, plus 30 PDs. King had 6/22, Jones had 8/17. Don't get me wrong, I'm as excited about these guys as anyone, but they may need some time before they make an impact.

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Packer_Fan's picture

May 04, 2017 at 11:08 pm

I agree it will take some time for them to make an impact. Hopefully that will happen late in 2017 so the Pack can make a deep run into the playoffs.

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ORIGINAL PACKATTACK's picture

May 04, 2017 at 12:55 pm

We will max out with 4 comp oicks next yr only question is which rounds. A lot of turn over next year....

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Ryan Graham's picture

May 05, 2017 at 07:10 am

Not to mention the likelihood of Hundley being traded, potential for Randall Cobb being traded....next year I could see 12 total picks with 4 comp picks included. One 1st rounder, two 2nd rounders, two 3rd round, three 4th round, two 5th round, one 6th and one 7th. Sounds unreal, it probably won't play out that way other pieces will move. But as it stands the Packers have a lot of power and leverage, least to say.

Two or three weeks ago there were a number of people criticizing Thompson/Wolf for not sticking with his core "draft and develop" method, but when one really looks at the direction this organization is heading, this is exactly that.

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dobber's picture

May 04, 2017 at 01:01 pm

TGR and I had a brief exchange on this guy leading up to the draft. I never really considered his landing in GB. He's a beast! What I like best is that he brings an aggressive style of play that this defense has been lacking. I love this pick...so long as it turns out they can still get pressure on QBs.

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ThxJackVainisi's picture

May 04, 2017 at 02:07 pm

Josh Jones and King were both combine standouts. Of course, that alone doesn't mean anything. There's no question that Jones has incredible physical tools so I think how good a player he becomes will depend upon his instincts.

I don't think Jones will primarily be Hyde's replacement; I think he'll be Morgan Burnett's replacement in the Deone Bucannon role as Chris mentioned. McGinn wrote the Packers' D lined up in a base 3-4 D just 11% of the time. That was perhaps partly due to Capers wanting more DBs to cover for their horrible CB play. But the year before they lined up in "base" just 17.7% of the time. So more than 80% of the time we can expect the Packers to line in a sub package. (Actually, I think it makes more sense to call the 2-4-5 their base D.) And if Jones is as good as advertised, I think it'll make sense to have him lined up as an ILB on a lot of passing downs.

The additions of King and House should bolster coverage outside. Having Jones at ILB, which allows Burnett to resume his spot as safety, should go a long way to resolving the coverage problems in the middle of the field.

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Finwiz's picture

May 05, 2017 at 08:27 pm

Nice player

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CAG123's picture

May 04, 2017 at 03:45 pm

How much football do you watch? No one is expecting him to be the next Patrick Willis! There are plenty of safety's that play near the line of scrimmage and make plays there with his ability in the passing game as well. It's about having a player that can fulfill multiple rolls and make an impact.

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Finwiz's picture

May 04, 2017 at 04:07 pm

CAG - you freaking moron....I get it - he plays close to the LOS.
The point I'm making is, people are calling him an ILB. That's ridiculous, as it was when they were calling Burnett an ILB.
It's an extra defensive back playing in the box.
Semantics, and people trying to get cute with terminology.
I was probably watching football when yo mama was wipin your azz.
LOL

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ThxJackVainisi's picture

May 04, 2017 at 04:41 pm

This is what McGinn wrote in his season-ending grading column: "For the first time, Burnett played extensively at ILB in the nickel." McGinn has "only" been a beat writer covering the Packers since 1984.

I've been watching the Packers since just before Lombardi arrived in Green Bay. But that, just as how long you've been watching them, is irrelevant. More relevant is your posting style makes it apparent your mama didn't whip your azz enough.

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Finwiz's picture

May 04, 2017 at 04:52 pm

McGinn is incorrect too - which is why the old fool retired.
Probably no longer recognizes the diff between a ILB and a S.
If you've been watching the Pack that long, you must really be an old fart too.
Perhaps some of your intellectual faculties are failing you?
And how I was disciplined is of no consequence to you, and none of your business. Carry on.

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Snake Plissken's picture

May 04, 2017 at 11:04 pm

Loud & obnoxious combined with stupid is a bad grouping..... hope you have a good 40 time

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ThxJackVainisi's picture

May 06, 2017 at 10:36 am

When a player lines up at ILB and assumes the duties of an ILB, he's an ILB. You wouldn't think that would be a difficult concept to understand. But those who struggle to understand that must think Pete Dougherty is another person who doesn't understand football. Here's part of what he wrote in a column titled, "Safety Jones a linebacker in disguise": "For a good chunk of the practice Friday, Jones played inside linebacker. He did it in nickel in seven-on-seven work against the offense, and he even worked with the inside ‘backers when the team broke off into individual drills in the middle of the session."

Of course Jones will learn the safety position too. But the Packers clear intention is to have Jones play ILB in the nickel and dime sub packages, just as Burnett did last season. Wow, one player able to play two positions: No wonder that's beyond the comprehension of some.

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worztik's picture

May 04, 2017 at 05:03 pm

Finweasel... you are one cranky dude or is that the problem... are you really an old lady????

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ThxJackVainisi's picture

May 04, 2017 at 10:47 pm

No, he's just a self-important ass.

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Finwiz's picture

May 05, 2017 at 09:32 am

Negative - I'm VERY important.
The definitive expert on all things GBP.
Never wrong about any Packer player except for Mossy Cade and Terrell Buckley. LOL

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CAG123's picture

May 04, 2017 at 05:14 pm

Awwww someone got his feelings hurt nobody is calling him a linebacker it's his ability to play close to the LOS that folks are talking about. So calm down and don't be so sensitive it's just a comment section

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Finwiz's picture

May 04, 2017 at 09:41 pm

Yeah, and I'm commenting....so what's your problem?
FYI - everyone was referring to him as a LB - if you can't keep up, take notes.
LOL

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MarkinMadison's picture

May 05, 2017 at 07:06 am

Let's not mix up "calling" him an ILB with saying that he could be used in that position in certain packages. Defenses are changing right now. Base concepts are the exception. Defenses are reacting to offenses finding mismatches.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

May 05, 2017 at 11:23 am

No need to get nasty, guys. It's all semantics, like Fin says. The NFL's new 5th safety is also a light hybrid ILB--helping enforce against the run sideline-to-sideline, but providing more coverage than someone like Patrick Willis.

Honestly, it's all like Ronnie Lott has been reborn in the modern NFL. That dude was everywhere, too.

But the bottom line is, you can't fulfill that role unless you're a freak athlete with skills and intellect. Below average athletes with great technique--like Hyde--don't even come close.

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dobber's picture

May 05, 2017 at 12:10 pm

Steve Atwater.

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holmesmd's picture

May 06, 2017 at 04:15 pm

Don't forget Sean Taylor

http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/sean-taylor-washington-redskins-nfl-l...

To provide some perspective, Josh Jones is faster, stronger, and heavier than one of my all time favorite safety's. Jones' metrics are special. Hopefully he reaches a fraction of his potential, regardless of how he is used.

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Matt Gonzales's picture

May 04, 2017 at 02:28 pm

Very excited about Jones, but he hasn't even practiced with an NFL team yet. If he can't clean up his technique his mistakes will be magnified once he is playing pro receivers and backs.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

May 05, 2017 at 11:25 am

Obviously he needs work. If his technique were already sound, he'd be a top 5 pick. So would King.

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Keyonta Selfsufficient's picture

May 04, 2017 at 02:41 pm

We have to see them play in a NFL game before we say who they are better then.. They are rookies and were hoping they make an impact..

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worztik's picture

May 04, 2017 at 03:50 pm

We NEED to see all the rookies play a few downs before we can evaluate their NFL future! You make a great and valid point when it comes to rookies. Kinda like a 6th grader going out as a sophomore after a success in grade school!!!

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Lphill's picture

May 04, 2017 at 03:28 pm

Kentrell Brice should teach tackling for the Packers , if Jones can learn from him these two together will be interesting.

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Gman1976's picture

May 04, 2017 at 06:25 pm

I am looking forward to seeing how good Brice is this year. If he takes a step up, we'll have two heavy hitters with speed.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2017 at 09:57 am

I don't think so. Josh Jones already has embraced the Brice school of tackling and has nothing to learn from Brice.

Truth is GB is going to have to tone down Jones when it comes to tackling. Jones is a guy who is can't wait to hit the crap out of opponents.

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worztik's picture

May 04, 2017 at 04:02 pm

Wish I'd seen him play a few college downs!!! Truthfully, I'd only seen him mentioned in one of the pre-draft mags I buy. A really good evaluation, although they had him listed as a 4th rounder, which I pay no attention to, being that their pre-draft mocks are all over the place! I believe they read each other's words and cut and paste them along with points made by the writers at CHTV!

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NitschkeFan's picture

May 04, 2017 at 04:18 pm

I think with the new players on D we will see a lot more of the 3-3-5 package (with three Safties in the 5 DB roles) as compared to the 2-4-5 we saw so often towards the end of last season.

Improved DL personnel and Jones as Saftey/LB should facilitate this.

Good idea? Bad idea ? Comments!

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

May 05, 2017 at 11:28 am

My thoughts exactly! 3-3-5 is better with our personnel.

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ChrisPeterson's picture

May 07, 2017 at 08:29 am

I don't hate the idea of it but I don't see a ton of it unless the third defensive lineman is playing the elephant role and lining up basically as a 4-3 end with Matthews or Perry as on OLB on the other side.

I think Adams is more about depth at DE and NT. I think they drafted him with the hope that the starting 3-4 guys are Daniels, Adams and Clark. Then Adams can back up both as an interior rusher in the 2-4-5.

I do think we could see more of a big nickel with Jones as the slot CB or even Brice. Jones or Burnett could also be the dime LB and play LB in Nickel next to Thomas.

The benefit of a big nickel with Jones on early down, is he will be more capable of being a good tackler than a CB like Randall or Rollins. It allows the Packers to have a lot of versatility. That's what good defenses have in the NFL and I think GB finally realized it needs those big, fast, versatile​ athletes to adapt better to an ever changing game.

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mjbrogno's picture

May 04, 2017 at 04:28 pm

It would be great to have a big hitter in the secondary. This could be exactly what we need to put the fear in opposing offenses.

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GLM's picture

May 04, 2017 at 05:15 pm

When I look at Jones, I see a a safety/DB they haven't had since Nick Collins.

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worztik's picture

May 04, 2017 at 05:18 pm

66fan... I believe we should run #1) to defend the strength of a specific team's offense... #2) run or pass heavy... #3). Best D personnel on field to keep them fresh... 2-3-6... 3-3-5... 2-4-5... 3-2-6... etc.!!! I'm wondering,however, if Dom is burned out and the long seasons are taking there toll on him?!?!?Looking for a scheme to utilize our current players strengths... tweak the scheme... not the players responsibilities!! Just sayin'!!!!

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holmesmd's picture

May 04, 2017 at 09:58 pm

I'm not sure equating him not being a football player because he doesn't have the technique of a 4 yr NFL guy like Hyde makes much sense. If you've watched Jones, he's certainly a "football player". An overly aggressive and NFL inexperienced one...sure. You can't teach metrics. You can coach and develop players technique. Give me a bit of a sloppy freak athlete with metrics before a slow guy with "early instincts" every time. Liked Hyde but his limitations were glaring. There was a somewhat similar knock on Shazier although to a lesser extent. "Can't get off blocks, lite in the butt, over runs plays" ETC. Oddly, everyone here was salivating over the guy...myself included. There is no substitute for experience but a player's ceiling is impacted profoundly by athletic talent. Joe Whitt & Darren Perry have a ton to work with! Let's give them a chance to do so. What's not to like. I'll say this now, keep an eye on Brice. He's every bit similar to Nick Collins than anyone I've seen. He'll take a jump and be in the mix IMO.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2017 at 10:09 am

I don't know, I just think this is a closer call than what you wrote. I think I'd take instincts over insane metrics. Obviously, if someone is really slow, instincts won't matter. I'd take great instincts coupled with good NFL athletic ability over insane athleticism and mediocre instincts.

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holmesmd's picture

May 06, 2017 at 04:23 pm

Understood. The illustration of your premise was Hyde. I guess my point is that GB didn't think it was enough and I think you would agree that we all saw that it wasn't enough either. Speed kills, instincts are very important. Hyde was too slow. Imagine if he was faster with his "instincts"?! Very different player. The Packers have shared your opinion for quite some time Reynaldo. They have been forced to abandon it for obvious reasons. I completely agree that instincts are very valuable but those can be developed with NFL experience. Speed & height cannot IMO

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 07, 2017 at 02:03 am

We aren't far apart. When you're drafting in the 5th round for guys like Hyde, where not everyone has special athletic gifts, instincts might be the difference between success and failure.

I'll give you the opposite example: Christine Michael. Great athleticism coupled with no vision = NFL bust, though teams keep him around trying to coax those instincts out of him through years of coaching and NFL experience. No luck so far.

I don't agree that GB shares my opinion though, at least not to the exclusion of the reverse. I think GB does both. For every guy they draft or sign like Hyde (5th Rd), Ryan (4th Rd), Abby (5th) or Kuhn, who have average or a bit less than average NFL athletic ability, they draft a Burnett, Bostic, Kennard Backman, Goodson, Trevor Davis, guys with great metrics but who lack football IQ that GB hopes can be gained through experience.

I think there is a difference between instincts, which are rare, and football IQ.

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holmesmd's picture

May 07, 2017 at 09:35 am

Agreed.

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4zone's picture

May 04, 2017 at 05:51 pm

We shall see, what we shall see. Until then, this is still Fantasy Football.

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Packer_Pete's picture

May 04, 2017 at 07:15 pm

I live down here in NC. Saw NC State play quite a bit. Let's just say this - great athlete. Not a football player... I hope they can teach him well, otherwise you'll see missed tackles galore...

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TKWorldWide's picture

May 04, 2017 at 07:57 pm

Is possible. As many have said, time will tell. Be patient everyone. Remember part two of draft and develop.
It took Nick Collins a couple years to get it together. But right from the start the athleticism stood out and showed great promise.

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Packer_Pete's picture

May 05, 2017 at 09:49 am

Oh I'm not denying that - Just saying that I saw the kid play live and his athletic ability definitely stands out, but so do missed tackles and being out of position... Nothing that cannot be corrected, but in this case I'm warning of having very high expectations, at least initially for the first few games of the season, or even the first season.
And he's the only draft pick that I dare to comment on since I have seen him play not just once or twice...

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CJ Bauckham's picture

May 05, 2017 at 10:57 am

Packer_Pete... live in NC? Or just a State fan? I'm in Raleigh; only reason I ask

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CJ Bauckham's picture

May 05, 2017 at 12:26 pm

Nvm, just saw your post above. Reading comprehension while driving = poor. Small world, though!

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dobber's picture

May 05, 2017 at 12:15 pm

Here's the "negatives" section from the scouting report on Nick Collins and Josh Jones (not necessarily in that order) from CBSSports.com. Can you tell which is which?

"WEAKNESSES: Upright in his movements, lacking sink to smoothly redirect his momentum. Late to flip and attach to receivers in coverage, losing momentum to wasted steps. Bites on the backfield action. Anticipates well, but he is still learning how to recognize various limbs on the route tree. Struggles with double moves and combos. Needs to tweak his tackling technique to consistently wrap and finish. Pad level can be problematic at times. Wild hands when taking on contact, allowing blockers to attack his chest and drive him backwards."

"Negatives: More of a grabber than a striker when tackling in run support … Does not get a good jump coming back to fill the running lanes … Plays too deep in centerfield and has to hurry in order to make plays in front of him … Concentration tends to wander when he is not immediately in the play … Takes some false steps coming out of his backpedal on deep routes … Can be fooled by head fakes and play action … Struggles in run support come mostly because he takes poor angles to the ball … Despite his size, he can be overpowered by the bigger backs near the line of scrimmage … Needs to stay more alert to the receiver's double moves and will blow a coverage … Will need time to adjust to cornerback, as he needs to develop better hand usage in order to reroute and jam receivers … Might have problems with the mental aspect of the game (struggles to digest a complicated playbook)."

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dobber's picture

May 05, 2017 at 12:17 pm

Here are the positives, in case you were wondering...

" Has very good overall muscle development, V-shaped upper torso, with broad shoulders and chest … Adequate in man coverage, mirroring the receiver's moves while maintaining position as the play develops … Effective jamming his man in press coverage … Allows little cushion off the line of scrimmage and shows above average straight-line speed and adequate change of direction … Shows some looseness in his hips, turning fluidly coming out of his backpedal … Will play the ball in the air, keeping eye contact on the pass and a hand on the receiver … Has the acceleration to run ball carriers down … Adjusts and times his jumps to get to the ball at its high point, showing natural hands to extend away from the body's frame in order to make the interception … Still a work in progress as a tackler, but does stay low making wrap-up tackles in space … His straight-line acceleration, leaping ability and marginal play recognition skills could see him shift outside to cornerback in the pros (plays the man better than the ball)."

"Looks the part with his height, length and build. Explodes out of a cannon on his tackling angles, accelerating in a flash. Speedy in pursuit to track down ballcarriers from behind. Aggressive hug-and-finish tackler in the open field. Creates stopping power with his downhill demeanor. Physical take-on skills to attack and tear through blocks. Evades blocks with bobs and weaves, finding the ballcarrier in the lane. Quick diagnose skills to sense what is about to happen, keeping his eyes on the prize. Steady at the catch point to find the ball and finish interceptions. Versatile experience across the secondary, including inside cornerback and both safety spots (32 career starts). Improved focus, work habits and maturity in 2016, showing better accountability."

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Dzehren's picture

May 04, 2017 at 10:11 pm

Bleacher Report believes Packers will sign Elvis Dumervil

https://www.google.com/amp/s/gnb.247sports.com/Bolt/Bleacher-Report-beli...

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dobber's picture

May 04, 2017 at 11:09 pm

Yes, but if you read the "story" it says that this could be something the Packers COULD do. It doesn't say, "the Packers have contacted Dumervil's agent" or that "Dumervil came to GB for a visit".

Until one of those two things happens, this is just clickbait.

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croatpackfan's picture

May 05, 2017 at 02:36 am

I'm not for that. He would take a young player spot and he is to old for playing on the high level. Also, there is last season full of injuries. Injuries that happen because his body is consumed...

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croatpackfan's picture

May 05, 2017 at 02:36 am

Double post, sorry...

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2017 at 10:20 am

Patience will be required. I have some concern that GB might overload Jones. I don't know which roles require the most savvy to execute - maybe DPF has an opinion. Say, between Burnett's ILB role, the Hyde Role, and Burnett's SS near the box role - or any other role being suggested for Jones.

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holmesmd's picture

May 07, 2017 at 09:40 am

It appears that he didn't take the wonderlic? I wonder why? I hope he's not a brick?!:/ Why do some players not have to take it?

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Lphill's picture

May 04, 2017 at 08:51 pm

Unrelated to this story but some online chatter that the Packers working on a deal with Elvis Dumervil .

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TKWorldWide's picture

May 04, 2017 at 09:08 pm

Has he entered the building?

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lambeau66's picture

May 04, 2017 at 09:38 pm

Has not played down one yet in the NFL. Easy before comparing him to Hyde.

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Finwiz's picture

May 04, 2017 at 09:43 pm

People make Hyde out to be some sort of "all-pro".
Newsflash - he wasn't, so to project Jones as comparable isn't a huge stretch at all.

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ChrisPeterson's picture

May 04, 2017 at 11:04 pm

Yea. Hyde wasn't bad. He is a solid third safety. But his coverage skills are poor. He's a good depth guy. And he has a knack for big plays that was his best feature.

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Snake Plissken's picture

May 04, 2017 at 11:06 pm

I thought that the Packers might take Jabril Peppers at 29 if he was still around to fill this very hybrid safety/lb role..... then comes the guy nobody is touting like Peppers,..... JJ.
It will be fun to watch what they really do with the kid.

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ChrisPeterson's picture

May 07, 2017 at 08:30 am

I thought he would have been a choice too. But I am really glad we got King. He's a stud. And we desperately needed a big time outside CB.

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slit's picture

May 05, 2017 at 06:16 am

Should have drafted Tim Williams instead.

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BPEARSON21's picture

May 05, 2017 at 09:49 am

I thought Hyde was incredibly mediocre and I think the Bills way over paid for him. I was very pleased TT didn't make him an offer and recognized how replaceable he is, even though we drafted him.

I think people over valued Hyde just because he was "versatile". I mean yeah he could catch a punt and a kick, and he could line up outside or in the slot but not well at all. He was so bad in pass coverage and never returned a punt or a kick for a TD. Just because a player is capable of doing multiple things, it doesn't make him valuable unless he is effective at his multiple positions. If you don't believe me look at Jeff Janis. Another guy who is valued because of his versatility. He is a nice special teams player, and technically he can line up in the slot or the outside on offense but we all know how limited he is from a talent standpoint. So I guess you can call guys like Hyde and Janis "versatile" but that doesn't hold a lot of value if they're not effective at their versatility.

I was a little hesitant about Josh Jones, but great article! I see your point and I agree, if we can get actual production out of a versatile defensive back role instead of just a body (which Hyde was) then I think that can really strengthen out defense.

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NoNonsense's picture

May 05, 2017 at 03:17 pm

Hyde had at least 2 maybe 3 or 4 punt returns for TDS as a Packer. Yeah he was limited athletically but the guy made plays for us, I really liked Hyde and didn't want to lose him but hes gone now so hopefully Jones can be as good or better.

Speaking of Jones, I just read a good article this morning about him on JS online I think. It was about him working on his weaknesses before last season. Sounds like we have a very smart and dedicated young player who has a lot of talent and athletic ability . Can't wait to see him on the field in a Packer uniform.

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ChrisPeterson's picture

May 07, 2017 at 08:33 am

Hyde did get some return TDs. I know at least one or two punts and I am pretty sure he scored a def TD or two at times. If Micah was faster, he could be really good. He's just limited physically and unfortunately that's hard to overcome. He will never be more than average to me.

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Tundraboy's picture

May 05, 2017 at 11:12 am

For all the reasons mentioned I like this pick almost more than King. Wih King we definitely needed a number one cornerback, especially a tall one, but what we needed just as badly was a player like Jones to fill that position. Hybrid safety linebacker. Can't wait til Fall.

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sheppercheeser's picture

May 06, 2017 at 09:11 am

Let's let Jones show us what he can do without bad-mouthing Hyde. As most everyone agrees, Micah had a knack for being around the ball and always gave 100%. Jonesy and Hyde will have different supporting casts so it doesn't make sense comparing the two. Glad Micah is still playing and excited to turn Josh loose.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2017 at 10:34 am

If Hyde had possessed Woodson's athleticism, he would have had a reasonably similar career. If Hyde had Burnett's athleticism, he would be a nice, solid red player.

It seems to me that these hybrid roles require veteran savvy and/or instincts. I think Burnett had to play years to acquire the veteran savvy since I don't think he was gifted in great innate instincts. We will see where Josh Jones falls along this spectrum,

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