03/17/2013 - 2013 UCLA Pro Day: Datone Jones, DE (277) - Jones stood on his combine numbers and only did the position drills. The feeling with Jones is that he has to be play defense end in a 4-3 base defense in the NFL. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com
OVERVIEW
As NFL offenses increasingly turn toward the passing game, defensive coordinators are countering with hybrid defenders capable of lining up inside and out depending on the down and distance. As such, players like Jones, who has alternated between defensive tackle and defensive end over the past two seasons for the Bruins, offers great value to NFL teams featuring the 4-3 and 3-4 alignments, alike.
Jones caught the imagination of UCLA coaches early in his career, appearing in 10 games (and starting two) as a true freshman (15 tackles). He broke out a season later, registering 30 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and four sacks while opponents focused their attention on the disruptive Brian Price and Akeem Ayers.
Rather than have his career take off in 2010 as hoped by the UCLA faithful, Jones was lost for the entire season after breaking his right foot in fall camp. He came back healthy but wasn't as productive as expected in 2011, posting 41 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Unleashed by an aggressive defense implemented by new head coach Jim Mora, however, Jones emerged as one of the Pac-12's most productive defensive linemen as a senior, notching career highs in tackles (57), tackles for loss (17.5) and sacks (six) to earn all-conference honors.
ANALYSIS
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.
