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Strengths: Quick enough to beat blockers to the point of contact and can hold ground against the run when lined up at end and plays with sound technique. Uses hands well, has long arms and flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly. Keeps head up and does a nice job of locating the ball carrier when scraping down the line of scrimmage. Works from the snap to the whistle, takes sound pursuit angles and shows better range than 40-time suggests. Active pass rusher that moves well laterally and can set offensive tackles up to the outside before redirecting inside. Drives legs once in position, shows adequate lower body strength and flashes the ability to collapse the pocket. Has experience lining up at defensive tackle and can slide inside in certain situations. Blocked a kick last year and can contribute on special teams. Has good bulk now and is tall enough to add weight without sacrificing agility.
Weaknesses: Lacks prototypical top-end speed for an end, frequently a step slow getting to the quarterback and should struggle to turn the corner at the next level. Doesn't have elite explosiveness either and isn't going to make as many plays in the backfield as did at the collegiate level. Fails to consistently get hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback. Plays too high, lacks elite lower body strength and can get driven back at times. Played at a small school, relies on natural ability a little too much at this point and could struggle making the adjustment to the NFL. Missed one game with a leg injury in 2006, missed one game with a leg injury in 2007 and durability is a concern.
Overall: Jones arrived at Eastern Michigan in 2004 and moved from tight end to the defensive line midway through his freshman season. He appeared in all 11 games, finishing the year with four receptions for 12 yards. Over the next two seasons (2005-'06), he made 22 starts and recorded 104 tackles (30.5 for losses), 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. As a senior, he appeared in all 12 games (11 starts) and had 70 tackles (19.5 for losses), 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a blocked kick. Jones primarily played defensive end for the Eagles, but also took reps at defensive tackle. He missed one game in '06 and one start in 2007 because of separate leg injuries. Jones doesn't have the initial burst or closing speed of an elite edge rusher and he's obviously going to face a much higher level of competition in the NFL so he has to sharpen his technique. That said he has the frame, toughness and motor to develop into an effective power end in a two-gap scheme so he projects as a late third or early fourth round pick.
What's the name of the defensive end ESPN did a piece on a few days ago, that takes medication for depression or something? Was supposed to go in the 1st round last year, but left football and came back this year?
I think you mean Tommy Blake from Texas Christian.
Thanks man. Where is he projected to go this draft? Didn't he have a solid showing at the Combine?
I don't know much about him, but I think the articles I saw predicted he would got right at the end or miss being drafted completely.
That's right. He was projected near the end...of the draft. Thanks.
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