Friday, April 26, 2013

Packers First Pick - Defensive End, Datone Jones

It is official. Datone Jones, UCLA, defensive end is the Packers first round draft pick!


Height - 6'4"
Weight - 285
Age - 22
College - UCLA

Results of the NFL Combine & the testing:
40 yard dash time - 4.80
3 - cone time - 7.32
Shuttle time - 4.32
Vertical Jump - 31.50 "
Standing Broad Jump - 112"
Bench (225 lbs)- 29 reps

This tests do not always mean a lot, but they are a good quick reference.  How did they rank compared to the other defensive ends at the testing?  They were 28 defensive ends.

40 yard dash time - 17 out of 28
3 - cone time - 12 out of 28
Shuttle time - 2 out of 28
Vertical Jump - 15 out of 28
Standing Broad Jump - 16 out of 28
Bench (225 lbs)- 6 out of 28

Based on the testing, Datone Jones does not stand out, so what did the Packers see in him?


One view from CBS Sports:
STRENGTHS: 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.
Keeps his head up and locates the football quickly, showing good awareness and effort in pursuit. Has the upper-body strength to lock-out opponents and seal the edge. Stout enough to slide inside to defensive tackle, especially on obvious pass rush downs. Enjoyed a breakout senior campaign and may be just scratching the surface of his potential.
WEAKNESSES: A classic 'tweener who until his senior season hadn't ever lived up to expectations. Lacks the sustained speed and flexibility to turn the corner as a traditional 4-3 defensive end. Lacks the bulk to handle full-time duties as a traditional defensive tackle. Has a tendency to stand up as he comes off the ball, losing out on the leverage battle. Uses his hands well initially but tires quickly and struggles to disengage once his opponent has locked on.
COMPARES TO: Robert Ayers, DE, Denver Broncos -- Like Ayers, Jones has flashed talent throughout his collegiate career but has been racked with inconsistency. His versatility and big senior season could push a team to gamble on his upside early.
--Rob Rang

Another view, this from another team - The New England Patriots:
Intangibles
+ High character individual, extremely hard worker who has overcome very tough surroundings
+ Well spoken and football savvy, knew about each teams needs, personnel and where he would fit
+ In conversation, Jones was able to break down each position he played and the responsibilities
+ Passionate about the game of football, willing to do what it takes to be successful
+ Fits multiple schemes and can play multiple positions, willing to play any position on the line
+ Extremely hard worker off the field and in the weight room, set example for younger UCLA players
- Motor was questioned at times and at times was inconsistent
- Still a bit raw overall, a lot of room for refinement
- Awareness on the field could stand to be improved


One more report, NFL Draft Geek!

Pros

  • Outstanding overall strength; pound-for-pound one of the strongest players in the draft
  • Excellent athlete with good speed, quickness, and explosiveness
  • Fires out of his stance and can beat his lineman right off the ball
  • Strong at the P.O.A; creates tremendous leverage, and plays with great pad level
  • Violent hand punch jars lineman back
  • Has an outstanding bull rush; can walk his blocker into the quarterback
  • Schematic versatility; has necessary height and bulk to fit in a number of defensive schemes
  • Quickness allows him to split gaps effectively
  • Fights through double teams
  • Shows a high football IQ and awareness
  • High character; hard worker, tough, leader

Cons

  • Stiff lower body, doesn't re-direct that well
  • Doesn't always stay square, can get shoulders turn and driven out of plays
  • Very short arms (32 3/4), may limit his ability to play inside in certain schemes
  • Isn't able to consistently get arm extension and disengage from blockers
  • Doesn't seem overly comfortable in space
Time Will Tell!!!


No comments:

Post a Comment

Breaking Down the Packer Roster by Position

 88 Players, room for TWO more to complete the 90 man NFL limit per team.  This will change. Still out there, 3 big names.  Mercedes Lewis o...