Okay, so I just saw ESPN's list of the top 10 off-ball linebackers for 2026, and I'm still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor: Ernest Jones IV, our Seahawks All-Pro, got completely left out. Jeremy Fowler's report, based on votes from league executives, coaches, and scouts, didn't even give Jones an honorable mention, even though he reportedly received votes. Seriously, what are we even doing here?
The All-Pro Omission That Makes No Sense
How do you leave a guy like Ernest Jones off that list? Our guy was straight-up snubbed, and it’s even worse considering "players' current level of excellence" was supposed to be the basis of this evaluation. Last season, Jones wasn't just good, he was *elite*. He was a second-team All-Pro honoree in 2025! Think about that: his performance made him one of the four best performers at his position across the entire league. He also absolutely dominated in a key stat, leading the position in interceptions with *five* picks, which was good for second overall in the entire NFL. And yeah, he was a crucial part of the defense that helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl at the end of the season. To be a Super Bowl winner and an All-Pro, and *still* not crack the top 10 off-ball linebackers? It’s just wild.So, What's the "Credence" Behind This?
Now, the article *does* throw out one fact that *might* give some "credence" to this head-scratching omission. Jones finished the year with an overall player grade of 58.8 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked him No. 50 at the position. So, are we really letting one metric, no matter how detailed, completely overshadow five game-changing interceptions, an All-Pro nod, and helping bring a Super Bowl trophy home to the Emerald City? It feels like the execs, coaches, and scouts who voted are leaning way too heavily on a single number, maybe forgetting all the clutch plays and dominant moments Jones delivered when it mattered most. You cannot tell me a guy with five picks and an All-Pro selection isn't one of the best 10 players at his position, especially after he just helped us celebrate a Super Bowl victory!This whole situation is a glaring disrespect to Ernest Jones, a player who consistently puts in the work and delivers big-time on the field for our Hawks. He absolutely proved he's a top-tier talent in 2025, no matter what any specific PFF grade tries to imply. But you know what this means? It just means he’s got an even bigger chip on his shoulder heading into the regular season. He's going to come out absolutely flying, ready to remind everyone in the league exactly who Ernest Jones IV is. Get ready, Seattle, because we'll be watching every single play, eager to see him make ESPN eat their words.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.