Player Profile: Barrett Jones

Barrett Jones

Height:  6'5
Weight:  302
School:  Alabama
Position:  Center or Guard
Rank:  #1 Center
Projection:  Top 40

Strengths
-Versatile.  Has played Left Tackle, Guard, and Center for Alabama
-Experienced.  41 starts on one of the best offensive lines in college football.
-Accomplished.  Outland Award (top overall lineman) as a LT and Rimmington Award (Best Center) Winner
-Great character.  Very active off the field.  Team player (willing to move positions so often)
-Ideal Height (6'5)
-Fundamental sound.  Uses excellent technique to mask athletic disadvantages
-Knows how to use his hands well.  Good placement.
-Extremely intelligent.  Always knows assignments and very good at making calls.
-Works hard and is always getting better.  Student of the game.
-Can get nasty when he needs to.
-Mentally tough
-Natural Knee bender

Weaknesses
-Not the greatest athlete.
-Durability.  Shoulder, ankle, and foot have all been issues.
-Could stand to add more weight
-Struggles against speed rushers
-Shorter arms make him less likely to play LT in the NFL
-Doesn't have elite speed.

Summary
It's safe to say that Barrett Jones doesn't necessarily pass the eye ball test.  He doesn't have the elite body size or athletic ability that other offensive line prospects.  However Barrett Jones is a gamer that just knows how to get the job done.  He isn't an elite athlete, but he makes up for it by being highly intelligent and having excellent technique.  Jones is a student of the game and is always learning.  He is great at picking up line stunts and blitzes.  Jones also brings a versatility that no other prospect can offer.  Jones has played left tackle, guard, and center.  Jones was the Outland Trophy for best offensive lineman in college football as a LT and then won the Rimmington Award for best center this past year.  Nobody can say they've won those prestigious awards for two separate positions.  Also factor in that Jones preformed at a high level in the SEC shows that he is truly a gamer.  Jones is probably best suited to play center in the NFL because his high football IQ and leadership.  However Jones could also play guard and be successful too.  If it wasn't for a some nagging injuries in his past and a stress fracture in his foot we could see Jones go in the early 20s.  However Jones probably goes in the early second round.  A team to watch is Baltimore at #32 who could be looking for a new center to replace Matt Birk.