RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Before the start of training camp, Nazair Jones was the "other" rookie defensive lineman taken by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL draft.
All the attention was on Malik McDowell, the second-round pick with first-round talent that Seattle felt was a steal as the No. 35 overall selection. Jones was a bit of an afterthought, someone who could provide depth but may not make the same rookie impact as McDowell.
Circumstances created a situation where Jones was given his chance to shine. And the third-round pick has been one of Seattle's preseason standouts heading into the final exhibition game Thursday night against Oakland.