Athletic defenders Jones, Bowman enter draft

ESPN's Joe Schad has multiple NFL Draft updates tonight. First he reported that Penn State outside linebacker Navorro Bowman will skip his senior season and enter the draft.

This was an expected move. Bowman is starting a family ad the possibility of being an early pick in the draft was probably too hard to pass up. In a weak class of linebackers, Bowman could be a late first round pick.

"I have played for the best linebackers coach in the country," Bowman said. "He's taught me how to make plays. He's taught me to have sound technique. I have been a part of a great tradition at Penn State. I missed a few games this season, but I feel I really finished the season strong."

Schad is also reporting that Georgia safety Reshad Jones will enter the draft. A junior, Jones has impressive size and athleticism. He had some consistency issues this season, though, and should have stayed for another year.

"I feel like I've done everything I can do at Georgia," Jones said. "I'm physically and mentally ready. I bring passion to the game and also versatility, because I can play both free and strong safety."

Schad says Jones and Bulldogs middle linebacker Rennie Curran will have a teleconference Tuesday. He expects Curran to also declare early.

It's unlikely Curran, who is very undersized, will get taken in the first two rounds.