Bengals To Hold Workout For Michigan State Inside Linebacker Greg Jones

As far as we know, the Bengals have scheduled private workouts and/or visit with seven prospects. One of those is Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones. According to Pro Football Talk's 2011 Draft Visits and Workout Tracker, the Bengals will hold a private workout with Jones at some point in April. Jones is ranked as the sixth prospect at inside linebacker according to ESPN's DraftTracker and second-best according to Mocking The Draft.

Scout Inc grades Jones' production, durability and intangibles as exceptional.

Presented team's outstanding underclass back award in 2008. Named team captain by teammates and coaches. Head coach Mark Dantonio called him a leader that works hard in practice, in the weight room and in the film room.

Range against the run and third down capabilities are above average while instincts, recognition, strength, toughness and overall tackling is graded as average.

Powerful open-field tackler who closes quickly and can stop a back's forward momentum on contact but inconsistent pursuit angles are an issue here as well. Not athletic enough to recover when doesn't take a sound angle to the ball.

The Bengals could see inside linebacker Dhani Jones and outside linebacker Brandon Jones leave for free agency. If Jones departs (which we predict he won't), then Rey Maualuga would likely move to the middle and the outside linebacker would be filled with a new player (either draft pick or free agency) or by second-year player Roddrick Muckelroy. The roster is rounded up with Vincent Rey and Dan Skuta. The team will need to add linebackers this offseason, likely one through this year's NFL Draft.