New York Jets Draft Prospects: Jarvis Jones vs. Dion Jordan: Who’s Better?

Mar 21, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones participates in drills during Georgia pro day at the University of Georgia. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

March 14, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker/defensive end Dion Jordan talks with reporters at Oregon pro day at Moshofsky Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not often that I like to direct your attention to the work of others from one of our posts. Today, however, due to the subject matter being discussed, I am going to make an exception.

Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks have undertaken a debate that likely is going on in the Jets war room as we speak. It relates to the first round pick the Jets are deciding at this very moment. Specifically, which player is better, Dion Jordan or Jarvis Jones?

Both of these guys are on the radar of our New York Jets, so this discussion is happening. Let’s see what these gentlemen had to say about the situation, first with Jeremiah giving a little promoting Dion Jordan:

I like Jarvis Jones as a prospect, but his poor pro-day workout has NFL brass concerned. Those who defend Jones’ lackluster showing point to his statistical success in the SEC, where he set the pace in sacks in each of the past two seasons. That motivated me to do some research and figure out how previous sack artists from this conference have fared in the NFL. Here are the six SEC sack leaders before Jones, along with their highest single-season sack totals in the NFL in parentheses: Willie Evans, Mississippi State, 2005 (0); Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas, 2006 (3); Marcus Howard, Georgia, 2007 (1.5); Carlos Dunlap, Florida, 2008 (9.5); Antonio Coleman, Auburn, 2009 (0); Nick Fairley, Auburn, 2010 (5.5). It’s pretty obvious that college sack production — even in the nation’s premier conference — doesn’t necessarily translate to NFL success.

And now, Brooks in favor of Jarvis Jones:

Now, I know Jones’ underwhelming physical dimensions (6-foot-2, 245 pounds), speed (4.92 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and overall athleticism lead to questions about his potential impact at the next level. However, I place a greater emphasis on his performance and production over the past two seasons. Jones was clearly the best defensive player in college football’s toughest conference in 2012, and I believe that experience will translate into outstanding production at the pro level.

Check out their whole article/debate by clicking here.

The one X-factor they don’t really address is the health of Jarvis Jones.  The situation with his spinal stenosis can change everything.  If he is healthy, they are hitting on the exact question.  The performance of Jones at his pro day, and whether or not that erases how he performed in the games.

Both guys are freakishly talented.  It was hard not to fall for Dion Jordan while watching his performance at the combine, all while he was hurt.  It’s also hard not to dream about sacks a plenty when watching Jarvis Jones on video.

Is there one of these guys you like better than the other?  Feel free to comment and discuss below………