NFL Draft 2017: Top 10 draft prospects from the ACC

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Nov 28, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels receiver Quinshad Davis (14) is tackled by North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive back Josh Jones (2) after a reception during the first half at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

N.C. State Wolfpack safety Josh Jones is Early draft entrant who was not a household name in the ACC. However, a strong NFL Combine has scouts taking notice of Jones’ ability.

Jones ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at NFL Combine, second among safeties and posted a 37.5′ vertical. He also had 20 reps on the bench press, which tied for first with Rudy Ford from Auburn. Jones’ performance at the combine elevated his stock, he’s already got prototypical size for a safety at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds.

The NC State defense ranked 27th in the FBS in scoring defense (22.8 ppg) in 2016. Jones led the Wolfpack in tackles with 109 total (62 solo, 47 assisted) along with 4.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions and eight pass breakups last season. He was sixth in the ACC in solo tackles and eighth in total tackles.

The early draft entrant tied for a game-high 10 tackles with a forced fumble and fumble recovery despite the team losing 54-13 to Louisville. He’s intercepted eight passes in his NC State career. He recorded four interceptions as a redshirt freshman which tied for second in the ACC.

Jones is projected to go anywhere in the late first round to a pick in the second to fifth round. With coverage ability and a nose for the football, he’s one ACC player to watch for on April 27.

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