NFL Draft Prospect: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

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Datone Jones
UCLA DE Datone Jones

Player Information:

Datone Jones, Defensive End, UCLA

6’04”, 283 pounds

Compton, CA

STATS

NFL Combine:

40 time: 4.80

225-pound bench: 29 reps

Vertical: 31 1/2″

20 yard shuttle:  4.32

News and Notes:

Jones was a four-star recruit coming out of high school. . .started as a true freshman in 2008 and in 2009, racked up 11 tackles for loss and four sacks. . . missed the entire 2010 season due to a foot fracture suffered in Spring practice. . . in 2012, Jones was extremely productive. He tallied 62 tackles with 19 for a loss.

What they’re saying about him:

  • CBSSports.com: “Well-built athlete with long arms and good strength, throughout. Flashes an explosive initial burst off the snap to penetrate gaps. Uses his hands well at the snap to rip free from blocks, showing a variety of pass rush techniques (swim, rip, club), as well as enough power to simply bull over offensive linemen into the backfield.”
  • NFL.com: “Versatile lineman that can fit in an odd or even front. Fires off the ball with impressive pad level and is often able to shock the offensive lineman with a quick jolt. Use active hands to disengage quickly. If he cannot disengage, he keeps his arms extended.  Maintains the line by keeping his body leaning forward. Difficult for running backs to avoid him in tight quarters, keeps his feet moving while wrapping up.”

 

Video Analysis:

  • Has a good initial move.  Quick burst, powerful
  • Uses hands effectively but will initially have issues disengaging NFL O-linemen
  • Can get downfield and pursues well
  • Has a good motor and his initial burst can get him into the backfield
  • Lacks ideal size for a 3-4 DL.  Will need to add some weight
  • As with many college defensive prospect, overruns the play, taking himself out of it

If drafted by the Packers:

NFL.com compares Jones most closely to the Colts’ Cory Redding.  Jones is not ideally sized for a 3-4 defensive lineman but can add some weight.  He would be an immediate contributor on a defensive line that could use another able body or two after losing Jerel Worthy to an ACL injury late in 2012.  Would be a rotational DE in the Packers 3-4.  At this state, Jones is not what I would call an impact player, but he can be effective in spots.  He has to refine his ability to hold his ground and not get pushed around by veteran O-linemen.  The Packers need to improve their run defense and if Jones can be anywhere near as effective as he was in his senior season, it would be a plus for Green Bay.  Jones would be a project-type player for the Packers, much like how Nick Perry is.  He could end up being a steal late in round 1 if the Packers draft him and he can make a significant contribution right away.

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Jason Perone is an independent sports blogger writing about the Packers on AllGreenBayPackers.com

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