Chicago Bears Draft Prospect Watch: Barrett Jones Might Start on PUP List

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman Barrett Jones (75) pushes quarterback A.J. McCarron (10) during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of Chicago Bears fans have had their eye on Alabama center Barrett Jones.  As a four-year starter for the Crimson Tide while playing center, guard and tackle his versatility jumped off the screen.  He showed his no-BS approach when he shoved quarterback AJ McCarron in the National Championship game made Bears fans think this is just the guy to keep Jay Cutler in line.

Jones suffered the dreaded lisfranc injury in the SEC Championship against the Georgia Bulldogs and played through it during the National Championship game but had to have surgery in the offseason.  He did not participate in the Scouting Combine and many scouts don’t believe that he will be ready to start the 2013 season.  

"Scouts told WalterFootball.com that their teams believe Jones won’t be ready for the start of training camp and will probably start out his NFL career on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. Being injured and unable to work out for scouts has definitely hurt Jones’ draft stock according to scouts."

Understandably, it’s caused his draft stock to plummet.

"Sources believe that the uncertainty about when Jones will be able to take the field is hurting teams’ comfort with drafting him. Scouts said they believe that he could make it into the third round, but could easily be a fourth-round pick."

If Jerry Angelo were still Bears GM, I’d be getting a jump on a Jones jersey, but I’m not so sure that Phil Emery will take a chance on a pre-injured player.  The talent is definitely there and the toughness and leadership are unquestioned, but with so few draft picks in 2013, would Jones be worth a risk for the Bears, even if it’s a fourth round pick as WalterFootball suggests?   Could this turn out to be a steal of a draft pick?  What do you think Bears fans?  Should the Bears take him off their “Emery Board” or is he worth the risk?  Let’s hear your comments.