CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones, a possible target for the Browns at No. 6 in the NFL Draft, has been cleared to practice without restrictions and apparently doesn't have stenosis after all, according to a medical report sent to NFL teams.
In a memo obtained by Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune and the National Football Post, leading orthopedist Dr. Craig Brigham, who examined Jones at the NFL Combine on behalf of the league, concluded that Jones doesn't have a career-threatening narrowing of the spinal column. Doctors at USC diagnosed that condition on Jones in 2009.
Jarvis, who led the nation with 14.5 sacks in 2012, suffered a neck injury his freshman year at USC and was told by doctors he'd never play for them because of the stenosis they discovered during exams. Jones transferred to Georgia, where he worked his way up to becoming arguably the best pass-rusher in the country last season. In addition to the sack title, he led the NCAA with 24.5 tackles for a loss and seven forced fumbles.
In the memo, Brigham wrote that Jones apparently sustained in 2009 "either a very mild incident of spinal cord concussion or merely a stinger that has long since resolved." More importantly, he informed teams that even if Jones suffers another similar injury, it wouldn't necessarily be career-ending. He concluded, "Jarvis is cleared to play without restriction."
The good news for Jones could mean he'll be gone by the time the Browns pick at No. 6.
Teams will have a chance to look at him further at his Pro Day March 21, and clubs also can invite him to town for further medical exams. Jones, who skipped the Combine workouts to focus on his Pro Day, recently told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that teams have given him good feedback following Brigham's positive report.
"People are still talking to me," he said. "Nobody has taken me off the board. The doctor said I was fine and cleared me and the [scouting] Combine went fine for me. I was cleared medically. Teams know my situation. Everything went great. I did everything they asked me to do. I'll have my pro day, and then I'm going to meet with a whole lot of teams."
Jones said he felt the rumors that he had dropped out of the top 10 were all part of the pre-draft lying game.
"People were telling me teams do that because they want me to drop to them because they don't have high picks," he said. "I can't control none of that. I know what teams were telling and I know what doctors told me. So I just focus on what I can control, which is trying to be the best football player in America."
The Browns are targeting top pass-rushers in free agency such as Baltimore linebacker Paul Kruger and Detroit defensive end Cliff Avril. But if they don't land one of them, they'll likely take a hard look at Jones on draft day.
Bidding war for Kruger? The Browns and Colts will engage in a bidding war for the Ravens outside linebacker, the Baltimore Sun reported today, citing league sources.
The Plain Dealer reported Sunday that the Browns have called agents about Kruger and fellow Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe.
Kruger played for Colts coach Chuck Pagano when Pagano was defensive coordinator of the Ravens, and the Colts are seeking a replacement for Dwight Freeney. One source told the Sun that Kruger could command $10 million to $12 million a year.
The Browns probably have a better shot at Kruger than Ellerbe, who's expected to receive a significant offer from the Ravens, according to the Sun. Kruger had nine sacks during the season and 4.5 during the playoffs, including two in the Super Bowl. Jean-Francois on radar: The Browns are believed to be one of several teams interested in 49ers backup defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois. The Eagles and Titans are also expected to pursue him, according to reports in the Sacramento Bee and the Tennesseean.
Jean-Francois, 26, was a seventh-round pick of the 49ers in a 2009 out of LSU. A solid run defender, he's been part of the tackle rotation in San Francisco.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/03/georgia_lb_jarvis_jones_possib.html
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