With the 21st pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have selected Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
Here is our report on Jones:
Well-built defensive end prospect who has great upper-body strength and a lot of athletic upside. Very good size for a defensive end, and has the look of a very good NFL pass rusher. Didn’t display great skills as a pass rusher but needs to learn how to use his length better and more consistently. He doesn’t have elite quickness but he does get good timing off the snap and has solid speed around the edge. Could be really effective as a left defensive end in the NFL. Solid wrap up tackler and takes good angles. Able to set the edge but needs to be coached up on not playing too high, which is an easy habit to fall into at his height. He has a really good motor and consistently gives solid effort. I think the biggest thing for him is going to be whether he can stay healthy or not.
Todd McShay has him rated as a first round pick, as the 22nd best player in the draft pool right now. Others have him rated as a low second round pick and a guy who should be drafted based on upside. My guess is that he will be drafted somewhere in between. I don’t know if he will test out good enough to be a first round pick, but he’ll be one of the guys who shows up at the Combine and blows some people away. One of his brothers plays for the Ravens (Arthur) and his other brother is a UFC fighter (Jon).
His length reminds me a lot of Jason Pierre-Paul, but he is definitely not as quick around the edge. He does have quite a few injury problems, but was productive when he was healthy enough to play.
Overall, I think Jones has the potential to turn into a first round type of value, but he is just a little too raw for my liking at this point in time. He definitely has the athletic ability to be a very good strongside defensive end in the NFL.
Live PIck Grade: A
Jones is considered potentially the best defensive player in this draft. He has a ton of upside and is definitely worth the Patriots trading up for. I like this fit as a 3-4 defensive end/linebacker hybrid, and I think the Patriots got a good one.