2013 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: DL Datone Jones

Datone Jones plays for former Atlanta Falcons head coach Jim Mora at UCLA. However, he could very well be the next Falcon in the 2013 NFL draft. He is an excellent fit for the Falcons defense and they have shown interest and enjoyed working out the multi-faceted pass rusher according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net:

"

Am told Datone Jones/DL/UCLA looked very impressive during his workout for the Falcons today..

— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 6, 2013"

Jones fits exactly what the Falcons want in a player. Check out his profile here:

 

Datone Jones

Defensive Lineman

University of California - Los Angeles

Combine Measurements

Height: 6'3-7/8" Weight: 283 pounds

Arm Length: 32-3/4" Hand Measurement: 10"

40 yard dash: 4.75 sec. 10 yard split: 1.61 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.32 sec. 3-cone Drill: 7.32 sec. Bench Reps: 29 reps

Vertical Jump: 31.5" Broad Jump: 9'4"

Stats

2012: 14 Games Played, 62 Tackles, 19.0 Tackles for Loss, 6.5 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, 2 Blocked Kicks, 1 catch, 7 yards receiving, 1 touchdown

2011: 14 Games Played, 41 Tackles, 6.5 Tackles for Loss, 3.0 Sacks, 2 Pass Deflections

2010: Medically red-shirted due to a foot fracture. (h/t UCLA's official profile on him)

2009: 13 Games Played, 30 Tackles, 11.0 Tackles for Loss, 4.0 Sacks, 1 QB Hurry, 2 Fumbles Forced, 3 Pass Deflections

2008: 10 Games Played, 15 Tackles

Scouting Report

Strengths

Datone Jones has the protypical hand usage needed for the 5-technique role. He can get excellent leverage and push through almost anyone with his bull rush. The Falcons could use him at multiple spots, and his versatility makes him someone who would move to defensive tackle if he can't handle being a defensive end in the pros.

Weaknesses

Jones doesn't have the ability to run the arc effectively off the edge because of his lack of change of direction. Despite solid hand usage, he could improve and develop some better pass-rushing moves on the outside. He would have to set the edge more effectively against the run for the Falcons to play him primarily at defensive end.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

Off the field, Datone Jones is exactly the kind of player Atlanta wants as he has never been suspended or arrested. He busts his hump on the field too. He may not be a team captain, but he's definitely a leader for Mora's squad and will be an excellent fit for the Falcons locker room.

Overview

Datone Jones can play almost any spot on the defensive line. He's got experience at both the 3-technique defensive tackle and nose tackle in a 3-4, while he has also played end in a 4-3 and 3-4. The Falcons would love to have someone with his versatility on the defensive line.

 

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

The Falcons would likely have to make a minor trade up to secure Jones. It would be a great move as he could play the 6, 7, 5 and 3-techniques. He would be able to start instantly as a base defensive end and slide inside to a pass rushing defensive tackle on third downs.

All stats used are either from Pro Football Focus's Premium Stats, ESPN, CFBStats or the NFL. All contract information is courtesy Spotrac. All recruiting rankings come from 247Sports.com.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, NFL and NFL Draft. He also runs DraftFalcons.com.

Follow @ScottCarasik