Aaron Jones, UTEP
            UTEP junior RB Jones is going to force pro personnel back to the film room once he gets his chances to show at the Combine and Pro Days. His estimated 40-time is in the high 4.5-low 4.6, but this underrated running back plays fast and forward. Jones brings notable energy on every snap, with or without the football. With the football Jones shows an explosive first step and bursts through holes with authority and speed. He is decisive and aggressive, heading north with expediency. Jones is not an overly creative rusher, styling as a “get-what’s-blocked” gainer. His difference making trait is the quality in his mostly straight-ahead carries. At UTEP Jones was underutilized as a receiver as his game tape proves him to be an excellent router and possessing sticky hands. The soon-to-be ex-Miner gets deep in his routes when called and runs his stems with verve. Again, this is a hands-catching tailback with good technique. Aaron Jones isn’t a power rusher nor is he overly elusive, but he breaks tackles with an effective spin move. Jones’ footwork needs sharpening, particularly cutting up-field off the edges. Jones brings a solid RB physique (5’10-205) and is a well-proportioned athlete who is bound to impress in workouts. Keep tabs on his NFL destination in 2017. 
2017 OUTLOOK:
Injuries are a way of life in the NFL. Week 4's Packers-Bears divisional battle left Green Bay's backfield short as starting tailback Ty Montgomery suffered broken ribs and rookie RB Jamaal Williams sprained a knee. Suddenly, 3rd-stringer Aaron Jones is a starting pro RB. Jones is sure to see 12-15 carries a game until either Montgomery and/or Williams return. But he may not relinquish his snaps so easily to Williams. Jones is an athletic tailback with excellent receiving tools. Pass-pro success will be a big influence on his playing time and use. The 5-foot-10, 215-pound rookie is UTEP’s all-time leading rusher (4,114 yards). Jones set a single-season UTEP record with 1,773 ground yards (7.7 avg.) and tallied 17 rushing touchdowns in his redshirt junior season (2016). He posted a 4.56-forty dash at the Combine and sparkled in drills. He has the toolbox of an NFL RB. Now he has the opportunity.