Big Board ranking: #46

Positional ranking: #4

 

Overview

Position: DL

College: Connecticut

Class: Senior

Age: 22

 

Measurables

Height: 6’4 3/8”

Weight: 325 lbs.

Arm length: 34 1/4”

Hand size: 10 1/4″

 

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: 4.92 sec.

Vertical jump: 28.5”

Broad jump: 110.0”

Bench press: N/A

3-cone drill: 7.33 sec.

Short shuttle: 4.58 sec.

 

Strengths

Great size and length. Stout build for his height. Hands are big and extremely heavy. Tremendous upper body strength. Excellent athleticism. Strong two-gapper that plugs holes versus the run. Doesn’t get moved off the spot. Holds up versus down blocks. Can get low to creates leverage/penetration in short-yardage situations. Will overpower smaller opponents. Very good speed with the hustle to match in pursuit. Uses hands to grab/strike the extended arms of opponents and knock them off balance. Can successfully reach for a tackle with one arm. Shows quickness to side step blockers. Big-time club move accurately attacks the shoulder of blockers and moves them aside. Able to blow back offensive linemen with a single-armed strike. Impressive ability as a pass rusher for his size. Good fluidity to win inside.

 

Weaknesses

Would like to see hand usage be more consistent. Can be too plodding as a rusher when he doesn’t win early. Sometimes too high in general.

 

NFL comparison

Dexter Lawrence

 

Conclusion

Overall, Jones is a powerful nose tackle that will instantly improve the run defense of an NFL team and shouldn’t be overlooked as a three-down option. He can be drafted to play in any defensive scheme as an option early on Day 2.