Datone Jones is a talented defensive end from UCLA, who was really off of everyone’s radar until the end of the 2012 season; due largely to UCLA’s lackluster play in recent years and Jones missing all of 2010 due to injury and making almost no impact in 2011.  But in 2012 he was able to to show why he was so highly recruited out of Compton High School in Los Angeles; racking up 92 tackles, 19 for a loss and 6.5 sacks. 

I’m not one to brag often, but I would love to point out I was the first to mention and/or mock Jones in the first round, well before anyone else (just ask my eDraft Radio co-host Vincent Frank if you don’t believe me).  Nothing has swayed my opinion since then, and the nearly two additional hours of tape I watched as a refresher only confirmed what I knew all along. 

So, with that in mind; let’s take a look at my scouting report of Jones. 

 

Strengths

Versatility: Because of his size, strength, quickness and knowledge; Jones possesses the ability to line up at defensive end in both a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme, as well as tackle in a tradition 4-3 system.  He can put pressure on the quarterback, disrupt passing lanes and stop the run from any of the aforementioned positions. 

First Step: When the ball is snapped, Jones does a number of things almost simultaneously: As he explodes off the line, he gets his pads level and at at a good height and explodes into the lineman with his hands.  He uses his long arms to keep distance between himself and the blocker, so even if he can’t use his hands to disengage; he can still bully and push the lineman around.  These moves all happens almost instantaneously, and is a very fluid motion every time. 

Footwork: Jones keeps his feet square when engaging blockers, is able to avoid getting tangled up and his feet are always moving quickly, pushing him forward against blockers and ball carriers. 

Weaknesses

Balance: Jones’ first step is impressive, when it works.  Sometimes he will lunge forward too quickly or aggressively, and lineman have an easy time pushing him aside or ripping him down.  He needs to work on keeping his shoulders back and butt low when he makes first contact. 

Flexibility: If Jones can’t get around a blocker after his first, explosive hit; he has a really hard time bending around the outside to get to the quarterback.  He also has an issue redirecting his upper body to grab a ball carrier that that has changed directions last seconds. 

Bottom Line

Jones is a first round talented, and will be targeted by a number of teams towards the end of the round.  His versatility to fit into a number of positions in multiple schemes, strength and leadership qualities make the small weaknesses not matter too much.  While flexibility isn’t something that can be taught, the balance issues can easily be coached out.  Theres no chance Jones makes it to the second round, and will be an impact starter from day one.