Mississippi State DL Chris Jones declares for NFL draft

Jones finished the year with 44 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Mississippi State defensive lineman Chris Jones has declared for the 2016 NFL draft, the school announced.

“After discussing it with my family, I will forego my senior season at Mississippi State and enter the 2016 NFL Draft,” Jones said in a statement. “The past three years in Starkville have been unforgettable, and I am proud to be a part of the legacy that we created. I want to thank my teammates and coaches, especially head coach Dan Mullen and defensive line coach David Turner, for giving me the opportunity to wear the maroon and white. As I pursue a dream of playing in the NFL, I will always be a Bulldog.”

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Jones finished his junior year with 44 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks, which puts him at 102 total tackles, 18.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in 16 starts for his career.

Mississippi State defeated NC State 51–28 in the Belk Bowl. Wide receiver De’Runnya Wilson has also declared for the NFL draft.

- Christopher Chavez