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49ers 2019 NFL Draft: 5 players to target on day three

By Matt Stephenson

COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive back Mike Edwards #7 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates an interception against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages)
COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive back Mike Edwards #7 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates an interception against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 03: Jordan Jones #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after a goal line stop in the fourth quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field on November 3, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. Georgia won 34-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 03: Jordan Jones #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after a goal line stop in the fourth quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field on November 3, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. Georgia won 34-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The 49ers recently restructured linebacker Malcolm Smith’s contract to a new one-year deal. Given his poor performance since signing with the Niners, unless Smith manages to pull something out this season, chances are it will be his last year with the team.

Jordan Jones out of Kentucky comes in at 6-foot-2, 218 pounds. Jones could ultimately become a possible replacement for Smith. However, this is where taking chances on late-round picks comes into play.

Jones has an aggressive playing style, which can both be a positive and a negative, depending on the situation. His over-aggressiveness has led to on-field mistakes at times and run-ins with coaching staff and opposing players.

He has seen good production from his college years, though, with his best season coming when he was a sophomore. Although he has seen a drop from his sophomore year, Jones put together reasonable back-to-back years as a junior and senior.

He finished 2018 with a combined 68 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss. Jones recorded 1.5 sacks, along with his four pass deflections and one fumble recovery.

He has reasonable athleticism and possess the ability to close quickly with his acceleration and make the tackle. Jones’ strength lies in man coverage, though he has also shown the ability to excel while in zone.