| DT Arthur Jones, Syracuse | |||||
| Pos. Rank: 12 | Grade: 3rd Round | Height: 6-3 1/2 | Weight: 301 | 40: 4.98 | Year: 5-Sr. |
The Good: Explosive defensive lineman who struggled with injuries the past year. Fires off the snap with a terrific first step, plays with good knee bend, and keeps his pads low to the ground. Knocks blockers aside with violent punch, fluid moving about the field, and displays a quick change of direction and the ability to collapse down the line chasing plays. Constantly doubled by opponents yet slides off blocks and gets to the ball-handler. Gets his hands up, fights hard throughout the action, and knocks away passes if he cannot get to the signal caller. Rarely off his feet, nicely redirects to the action, and plays with good balance.
The Bad: Lacks dominant lower body strength and leg drive. Handled at the point by a single blocker.
The Verdict: Jones looked like a star in the making during his sophomore and junior seasons yet was never completely healthy as a senior. As a result he was unable to take his game to the next level. He's likely to be drafted later than his skills warrant but Jones has all the necessary makings to be a starter at the next level. Could be used in a conventional system lining up over right tackle and has possibilities to develop into a two gap end.
