Houston’s Chris Jones Declares for 2016 NFL Draft

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) – Mississippi State junior defensive lineman Chris Jones will enter the 2016 NFL Draft.

“After discussing it with my family, I will forego my senior season at Mississippi State and enter the 2016 NFL Draft,” said Jones. “The past three years in Starkville have been unforgettable, and I am proud to be a part of the legacy that we created. I want to thank my teammates and coaches, especially head coach Dan Mullen and defensive line coach David Turner, for giving me the opportunity to wear the maroon and white. As I pursue a dream of playing in the NFL, I will always be a Bulldog.”

(Photo Courtesy: HailState.com)

Jones finished his junior season with 44 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks. He was named a second-team All-America selection by Pro Football Focus and the recipient of the Southeastern Conference’s Defensive Lineman of the Week following a win at Missouri.

For his career, the Houston, Mississippi, native recorded 102 total tackles, 18.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks with 16 starts.

Before arriving at Mississippi State, Jones was WCBI’s End Zone 2012 Defensive Player of the Year. He helped lead the Houston Hilltoppers to their best season in school history, finishing with an 11-3 overall record and two victories in the MHSAA 4A Playoffs.

Jones is currently projected to be picked anywhere from the second round to the fourth round in the upcoming NFL Draft.