From May 15 to July 3, TDActu presents its Top 50 NFL players. To arrive at this ranking, each member of the editorial staff voted for the 50 players they would like to have on their team to start the coming season. These rankings were then compiled to form the final Top 50. The opportunity to debate, but also to present 50 profiles to those new to the NFL.
Chris Jones – Defensif tackle – Kansas City Chiefs
ID card : 26 years old – 1.98 m – 141 kg
Draft : n°37 au 2e tour de la Draft 2016 – Mississippi State
CV : second team All-Pro (2018 – 2020), Pro Bowl (2019 – 2020)
Stats 2020 : 36 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 safety, 4 defended passes, 2 forced fumbles
Career stats: 164 tackles, 40.5 sacks, 24 defended passes, 2 interceptions, 9 forced fumbles, 1 covered fumble, 1 touchdown in 76 games.
Why is he here?
In a team very often praised for its offensive aspects, the defensive qualities of certain elements are sometimes unfairly obscured. Excellent since his selection in the 2016 draft, Chris Jones has gradually established himself as the defensive leader of his team on and off the pitch. Fearsome efficiency, the player alone imposes an intimidating face on the Kansas City defensive line.
Constantly disrupting the pocket, he harasses the opposing quarterback (60 pressures in 2020), and has shown during his career that he also knew very well how to conclude (32 sacks in the last 3 seasons). All while being taken by two opponents on nearly 70% of pass snaps. With the score of 93.1 by Pro Football Focus, he is even rated as the best of the others after the unmistakable Aaron Donald. And this has been the case since 2018.
At only 26 years old, he is ultra dominant and already among the essentials of his position. He’s also the man Steve Spagnuolo relies on to build his defense. No wonder the franchise took out the checkbook to keep it for the next four years. The other captain of the Chiefs.
What objective in 2021?
The player proclaims it loud and clear, he wants to make history whether individually or collectively. Defeated at the Super Bowl last February, his ambition was brought to a halt but the player will not be let down.
With the goal of entering the Hall of Fame, Jones will have to continue to perform season after season and establish himself as one of the best defensive tackle of his generation over time. Like other players in this position, playing around the same time as Aaron Donald overshadows performance. He must therefore continue to shine with his team and be the essential leader to stand out. It starts this season, when the Chiefs will start again to assault the lost title.
Heard in the editorial
“It’s a rock, the basis of the Chiefs’ defense. Its place is well deserved. “ Victor Roullier
“Perhaps the Chiefs’ most important player behind Patrick Mahomes. Much too obscured by the prowess of the attack. “ Alain Mattei
“As jovial off the field as a warrior on it!” “ Jean Michel Bougeard
“Interesting, smart, cool… The right guy! Add to that an essential player to his team and you have a true NFL star. “ Raoul Villeroy
General classification
26. Tyreek Hill – WR, Chiefs
27. DeForest Buckner – DT, Colts
28. Xavien Howard – CB, Dolphins
29. Trent Williams – OT, 49ers
30. Christian McCaffrey – RB, Panthers
31. Jaire Alexander – CB, Packers
32. Dalvin Cook – RB, Vikings
33. Tyrann Mathieu – S, Chiefs
34. Stephon Gilmore – CB, Patriots
35. Darious Leonard – LB, Colts
36. Tre’Davious White – CB, Bills
37. Joey Bosa – DE, Chargers
38. Mike Evans – WR, Buccaneers
39. Julio Jones – WR, Falcons
40. Justin Simmons – S, Broncos
41. Zack Martin – OG, Cowboys
42. Alvin Kamara – RB, Saints
43. Chandler Jones – DE, Cardinals
44. Jamal Adams – S, Seahawks
45. Chase Young – DE, Football Team
46. Lavonte David – LB, Buccaneers
47. Nick Chubb – RB, Browns
48. Corey Linsley – C, Chargers
49. Lamar Jackson – QB, Ravens
50. Fred Warner – LB, 49ers
