TJ NFL Draft Thread

[Screamin_Eagle174]

General manager Jeff Ireland is now exploring Jones with a closer look. He dined with Jones on Monday evening after Jones arrived, and the two then spent several hours during a more extended visit Tuesday.

“I feel like the secret is starting to get out,” Jones told the Miami Herald on Monday evening. “I’ve lived my whole career feeling like I was a big secret, so it’s good to know people are hearing about me.”

The Dolphins definitely have a need at the running back position. And while many analysts have projected Alabama’s Mark Ingram as the best option to fill that need, Jones might be a better fit for another reason: His speed.

Miami has made it clear it wants to add some dynamic threats to its offense. If it decides not to bring back running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, Jones could be the type of player who fits perfectly into those voids.

“The personnel group that I’ve gotten to meet seem real cool,” Jones said. “They need a running back, and I’m coming to an organization to be a great running back. I could see it being a fit for me – it’s just a matter of whether they feel the same.”

After his visit with the Dolphins, Jones will return to his home state for hometown visits with the Raiders and the 49ers. He’s also working toward locking up a visit with the Carolina Panthers, but that’s not in stone yet.

As the draft approaches, it’s going to be interesting to see just how fast Jones begins to rise. If it’s anything like his blazing speed on the field, it’s very possible he could wind up with first-round potential.

“When I made the decision to come out (early from college), it’s because I thought I was one of the top running backs in this draft,” Jones said. “It would be an honor to go in the first round. It’s something I expected, but you never really know. In my position, it’s really unpredictable.

“I’ll only focus on what I can control.”


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/20/2176860/fast-rising-rb-taiwan-jones-visits.html#ixzz1K7RuynqY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[clawman1]

Wow, wouldn't that be something if TJ was selected ahead of Mark Ingram!! and we can say we saw him when...

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Wow, wouldn't that be something if TJ was selected ahead of Mark Ingram!!

It would, but I'd bet 100-1 it doesn't happen.

 

[clawman1]

Reality check--Don't think I would take that bet!

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Chris Hansen, his former position coach at Eastern Washington University, called it “a million-dollar day.”

But when Taiwan Jones looks back on the stunning performance he put on for nearly 50 National Football League scouts during his pro day in Pittsburg, Calif., last week, he views it as little more than another chance to prove his doubters wrong.

“I don’t pay much attention to what everyone in the media is saying,” said the 6-foot-1, 196-pound running back, who many experts believe greatly enhanced his status for the upcoming NFL draft by wowing scouts with a 39½-inch vertical jump and 40-yard dash times ranging from 4.25 to 4.34 seconds. “There’s a lot of different things about me that have been put out there, like me fumbling over 19 times in college, so I don’t get too caught up in all of the (draft) projections.

“But I do think everybody was surprised how fast I was, especially not being as healthy as I could have been.”
Read more...

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

http://blog.seahawks.com/2011/04/20/on-locker-jones-and-the-top-pick/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jake Locker to the Washington Redskins with the 10th pick in NFL Draft on April 28? Taiwan Jones not making it out of the second round the following day?

Both could happen, according to Mike Mayock. The draft analyst for the NFL Network participated in a conference-call Q&A session today and touched on two in-state players who have been profiled on Seahawks.com this week: Locker, the quarterback from the University of Washington; and Jones, the running back from Eastern Washington University.

Later, Mayock was asked about players who could have an impact returning kicks, and be selected higher because of it. That’s where Jones came into the conversation.

“Taiwan Jones is a guy that I love, and I think that he’s going to go fairly high,” he said. “He might be the fastest guy in the draft. He was off the radar, but I told people about two months ago that if this kid ran in the 4.3 (second) range – like I thought he would – he’d go from an afterthought to a late two, early three.

“He ran 4.28. He jumped 40 inches. He had a big day. Because of his return ability and because he can catch the football out of the backfield, I don’t think he’s getting out of the second round now.”

 

[EWURanger]

"After Mark Ingram, you have to consider Taiwan the second best player at the position because of his unmatched play-making ability and speed -forget the fact he played at EWU; Chris Johnson played at ECU."

1. Taiwan Jones, RB from Eastern Washington, is skyrocketing up team’s draft boards; and rightfully so. Jones has the rare, game-changing speed coveted around the NFL and can make plays, period. Taiwan will be a difference-maker wherever he is drafted and I undoubtedly would invest a first-round pick on him. If he does not go at least early second round, teams will pay. He is the second best back in this class behind Alabama’s Mark Ingram. Third is Kendall Hunter from Oklahoma State. Four is Jacquizz Rodgers out of Oregon State. I believe all four backs, if healthy, will generate over 1,000 all-purpose yards in their rookie campaigns. Who said the RB’s are weak this year?

http://www.nfldraftgab.com/2011-nfl-draft-stock-watch-players-that-i-rank-higher-than-others/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

also:

http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=577&a=28186" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[EWURanger]

Pretty good video break-down of TJ here:

http://www.draftnasty.com/football/videos/draftnasty-spotlights-eastern-washington-rbkr-taiwan-jones/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[FrontFive4Life]

cool video, but i was distracted by the fact that the voiceover guy sounds like Tracy Morgan from SNL and 30 Rock.

 

[clawman1]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/676114-nfl-draft-2011-grading-the-top-15-running-backs/page/10" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[EWURanger]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGggckRFeOk[/youtube]

Stumbled on this video from 2009, but a good example of TJ's speed. :thumb:

This game was ugly. :shock:

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Posted this in the Pro Day thread, but don't know if anyone saw it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMUyHnhrahQ&feature=related[/youtube]

 

[EWURanger]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e96tm9FmGg[/youtube]

Here's another. Don't think this one's been posted yet.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Pat Kirwan's mock:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81f7375e/article/teams-with-a-quarterback-need-could-stock-up-early-in-round-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Has him going 95th overall to Pittsburgh. hno: :evil: :thumbdown: :tothehand:

 

[clawman1]

Pat Kirwan's mock:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81f7375e/article/teams-with-a-quarterback-need-could-stock-up-early-in-round-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Has him going 95th overall to Pittsburgh. hno: :evil: :thumbdown: :tothehand:

Good news bad news. Good news is he is the 5th RB taken. Bad news is he is very late in the 3rd round. Even Ingram did not go until the end of the 1st round. running backs are not in real high demand unless they are really something outstanding.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Pat Kirwan's mock:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81f7375e/article/teams-with-a-quarterback-need-could-stock-up-early-in-round-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Has him going 95th overall to Pittsburgh. hno: :evil: :thumbdown: :tothehand:

Good news bad news. Good news is he is the 5th RB taken. Bad news is he is very late in the 3rd round. Even Ingram did not go until the end of the 1st round. running backs are not in real high demand unless they are really something outstanding.

I'll place a bet with anyone that says he goes higher than 95th. :nod:

The bad news is Kirwan has him going to the Stealers. hno:

 

[bpcats1]

Main point of the draft is to be picked. If your picked in the first 3 rounds it usually means that the team thinks you can contribute at some time point and they will give you every chance to make the team.

Before last season started did you really think your junior RB would be declaring for the draft and actually be getting this much attention? Just be glad that he will probably get drafted and have a shot at making the team. That is what counts.

There will be a lot of players like MSU's Mike Person OT who are borderline picks, and probably won't get drafted and barely have a shot at making the practice squad when everything is said and done.

I wish Taiwan the best of luck and hope to see him get drafted in the 2nd round. Main thing is that he gets drafted and gets a shot.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Main point of the draft is to be picked. If your picked in the first 3 rounds it usually means that the team thinks you can contribute at some time point and they will give you every chance to make the team.

Before last season started did you really think your junior RB would be declaring for the draft and actually be getting this much attention? Just be glad that he will probably get drafted and have a shot at making the team. That is what counts.

There will be a lot of players like MSU's Mike Person OT who are borderline picks, and probably won't get drafted and barely have a shot at making the practice squad when everything is said and done.

I wish Taiwan the best of luck and hope to see him get drafted in the 2nd round. Main thing is that he gets drafted and gets a shot.

I certainly didn't think there would be a chance in hell that he would come out after his Junior year, but I did feel he would garner this amount of attention. My roommate and I were discussing his draft potential in September or October, and I said that I really though he could be a second rounder... but I figured after his Senior year, not his Junior.

Agreed though, the main thing is that he'll get drafted and likely make the final roster.

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

SE174,
Saw the sport news last night, speculation is TJ will be the 56 player drafted, going to the New Orleans Saints. They had all kind of numbers where he was prior to is Pro Day etc. His performance got him to where he is at present.

Of course we will have to wait until April 28th, and see what happens. Like someone have said, "Good Luck Taiwan. Like cat have stated very well, he is going to be drafted, that is what we are all hoping for. Go Taiwan!!!!!!!!! Vic.

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

clawman,
The thread http://bleacherreport.com/articles/6761...ks/page10" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, posted 4/25/8:52a.m. is awusome. I saw that move on much of Taiwan Jones moves when he ran. That move should be one of his pictures for our books. :thumb: :nod: :clap:

I was disappointed when he left, now that he is getting the publicity, I am very happy for him. He will do great should he stay healthy. :nod:

He has great vision finding those holes. We saw a few of the moves on the "Red Turf". Has anyone found out if Michael Roos and his family will be here this weekend? He came last year and enjoyed his time. He did make a picture with my daughter and Ganddaughter. Awsome family of Mike. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :clap: Go Eagles!!!!!!Vic