Name: Datone Jones
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 280 pounds (at Senior Bowl weigh-in)
Position: 3-4 defensive end
School: UCLA
2012 Stats: 62 tackles (45 solo), 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 blocked kicks
Projected Draft Range: Top 75 picks, stock rising
Games seen on film: Oregon State, Stanford (twice), Baylor
Strengths (in Buzzwords)
Athletic Ability - Jones has shown throughout his college career and at the senior bowl that he is a great athlete and he should be able to use that athleticism at the next level to block passes and blow by offensive tackles
Motor/Work Ethic - In all the games I watched, I never once saw Jones quit on a play, even when it was going away from his side
Pursuit - He has shown the ability to pursue running plays that are ran opposite him and he contains his edge very well
Use of hands and overall technique - He uses his hands as weapons when attacking offensive linemen and in the senior bowl practices, he has been able to use his combination of athleticism and technique to beat Eric Fisher multiple times
Run defense - He has shown to be very developed in taking on two blockers and rarely gives up big runs to his side
Weaknesses (in Buzzwords)
Still developing as a pass rusher - While he did get 6.5 sacks this season and he has been very good rushing the passer at the senior bowl, Jones could still become even better as a pass rusher
Could add 10 pounds to add strength - He has already put on five pounds since the season ended, but hopefully he can put on 5-10 more good pounds before the season starts next year
My take on Jones
Jones is an incredible prospect who is getting better every day. While he was an average pass rusher in college, so far at the senior bowl he has shown an exceptional pass rushing ability, dominating every single tackle at the bowl. If he can continue to improve and add strength, he could be the next big thing at 3-4 defensive end. He has all the tools needed to dominate the position and combines them with a great work ethic and a motor that never stops. He is one of my favorite prospects in the draft and will be in the top 50 of my prospect rankings that will come out next week. He is a rapid riser and could be in top 20 consideration by the time the draft rolls around.
Jones on Film: