PackPros: Justin Jones 2020 Outlook

Former NC State Defensive Tackle Justin Jones is entering his 3rd season in the NFL (all with the Chargers), and his teammates and coach seem to think he is primed for a breakout year.

After signing his massive five-year deal, (Joey) Bosa was asked how talented the defense is; he mentioned the name “J.J.” A couple of minutes later, he is asked about how good the defensive line can be to which he mentions “J.J.” again. He was asked about the defense, yet again Bosa said he knew he had mentioned Justin Jones’ name numerous times, but that he feels like Jones is going to take that next step this season.

His head coach echoed the same sentiment.

“I’m looking for him (Justin Jones) to have a breakout season this year,” Anthony Lynn said on August 6th. “It’s been coming. He’s was gobbling up double teams. He finished very strong last season.” (SI)

After being drafted in the 3rd round by the Bolts in 2018, Jones played in 15 games as a rookie, and earned the starting job last season. Jones grew in Year 2, improving his ProFootballFocus overall grade from 51.0 to 59.1. The increase was a result of tremendous in the run stop department, improving his Rush Defense grade from 47.5 to 62.5.

Heading into Week 1, Jones beat out Jerry Tillery for the starting job at Defensive Tackle. Tillery was drafted in the 1st round by Los Angeles in 2019 out of Notre Dame. While Tillery has 1st round hype, he struggled mightily as a rookie, posting the worst grade (35.5) in the NFL amongst Interior Linemen according to PFF.

Jones is entering the 3rd year of his 4-year $3.5 million rookie contract, earning a base salary of $750,000 this year.

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