Dre'Mont Jones NFL Draft 2019: Scouting Report for Denver Broncos' Pick

Matt MillerApr 26, 2019

STRENGTHS

—Productive (8.5 sacks) junior defensive tackle with the ideal traits of a 3-technique pass-rusher.

—Has a plan as a pass-rusher and will hit blockers with a deadly first step, but can also counter with good hand play or a well-timed spin move.

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—Can get into the backfield and make splash plays against the run thanks to his quickness and ability to penetrate the line; teams will want to get a hat on him given his ability to shoot through the seams of zone-blocking schemes.

—Can open up and run down ball-carriers or quarterbacks with excellent quickness and speed; takes good pursuit angles and shows the motor to affect plays ran away from him.

—Quick in every aspect of the game: hands, feet and mind.

WEAKNESSES

—Might be seen as scheme- or position-limited to a one-gap, 3-technique position (to which his supporters would say, "just play him there").

—Pad height is a concern with a top-heavy approach out of his stance that will need correcting; on first viewing our scouts noted he played like he was 6'5", not 6'3".

—Missed time in 2017 after a cut on his leg became an issue; was considering entering 2018 draft class before the injury.

—Can get washed down quickly in the run game when he tries to squeeze through gaps and penetrate the line. Must learn to play square and fight to hold his ground.

—Doesn't have much natural power and could potentially add bulk while also adding strength; teams will be concerned by his combine weight of 281 pounds.

OVERALL

Jones only put together one top-tier season of production at Ohio State, but coaches there have been singing his praises for two years. He has ideal 3-technique traits with the quickness to be a special player on all three downs. This limits him to base 4-3 teams as a starter, but Jones will have a rookie impact for any team committed to putting a lineman in the B-gap.

GRADE: 6.70 (ROUND 2—ROOKIE IMPACT)

PRO COMPARISON: Geno Atkins