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Scouts notebook: Syracuse defensive tackle Arthur Jones

As promised, here is the write-up on Syracuse senior defensive tackle Arthur Jones. This season, I watched four of Jones games -- South Florida, West Virginia, Akron and Cincinnati.

Jones could be picked in the first 25 selections on draft day. A lot will depend on how he returns from his most-recent injury.

Arthur Jones

6'4, 293 pounds | Syracuse | Defensive tackle

Pass rush: Because of the position he plays and an overall lack of great athleticism, Jones struggled at times getting after the passer. He doesn't have a good counter move after his initial post-snap maneuver. Needs to learn how to use his hands better in the pass rush.

Pursuit: Jones is better suited in making plays in front of him instead of chasing down a ball carrier. It will be interesting to see how a recent knee injury impacts his pursuit ability.

Quickness: Jones is fairly quick off the snap. He's really good at bursting through gaps and getting after the ball.

Run defend: Keeps a good anchor against double teams. Has the leg drive to maintain his space. Big and strong enough to play nose in a 3-4 scheme. Showed he could be a factor against the run -- see 2008 Notre Dame game.

Size: Officially listed by Syracuse as 6-foot-4 and 293 pounds. This season Jones looked much bigger.  His frame appears to be maxed out, but he's built very stout.

Strength:
Powerful throughout his frame. Was a high school state champion in wrestling and has great core strength, which makes him hard to move.

Tackling: When Jones get in on a play, he's hard to avoid because he stays low while tackling. Can disengage from blockers and make one-arm tackles.

Technique:
Too frequently comes off the snap high, which allows linemen to get under his pads. Needs to do a better job of dropping his butt and bending his knees to get leverage. Gets good placement but he could do a better job of hand fighting. Hand/arm jolt is good.

Versatility:
Jones has the size and strength to play tackle in either a 3-4 or a 4-3. Syracuse used a three-man front in 2009. While it limited some of Jones' playmaking ability, he was still a factor, particularly against the run.

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Comments

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You really think he is big enought to play 34 NT? Is he really THAT much bigger than he is listed?

by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 13, 2009 5:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yes.

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by Mocking Dan on Nov 14, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

So what is his weight then?

by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 14, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t know. Syracuse lists him at 293 but he looks like he’s a good 310.

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by Mocking Dan on Nov 14, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t mean to argue, but I’m not sure 310 is big enough to play nose

by TheRealSlimShady on Nov 14, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Look, I’m not saying Jones should be a 3-4 NT, but he has the size and playing style to do so. Here is the weight the current starting NTs in the NFL:

Cowboys – Jay Ratliff – 302
Chargers – Ogemdi Nwagbuo – 303
Dolphins – Jason Ferguson – 310
Ravens – Kelly Gregg – 310
Broncos – Ron Fields – 315
Jaguars – Terrance Knighton – 325
Jets – Sione Pouha – 325
Patriots – Vince Wilfork – 325
Steelers – Casey Hampton – 325
Packers – Ryan Picket — 330
Browns – Shaun Rogers – 350

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by Mocking Dan on Nov 14, 2009 7:45 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

random note… dont know if this is already common knowledge around here or not but he is the brother of UFC fighter, Jon Jones.

by dt3 on Nov 16, 2009 6:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I didn’t know that. Very cool. I’m a Bones fan.

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by Mocking Dan on Nov 16, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs


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