Player Profile: DaQuan Jones

Height:  6'4
Weight:  322
School:  Penn State
Position:  Defensive Tackle
Ranking:  #6 Defensive Tackle
Projection:  3rd or 4th Round

Strengths
-Experienced. Two year starter with 46 total games played
-Ideal size and length (33 1/2") for a defensive tackle
-Stout at the point of attack.  Uses leverage to hold his spot
-Uses his hands well to shed blocks and make plays in the run game
-Displays good power to bull rush a lineman or quickly disengage from blocks
-Good strong tackler.  Rarely misses a tackle.
-Heavy hands allows him to get past lineman in pass rush
-Does a good job of locating the ball and reacting
-Shows the ability to play either one or two gaps
-Scheme versatility. Can play in both 3-4 and 4-3
-Can play multiple positions along the line
-High motor player.  Never gives up on a play.
-Great football character. Team leader and hard worker.
-Durable. Never missed a game because of an injury

Weaknesses
-Lacks the speed (5.35) and quickness (1.81) to disrupt the backfield
-Isn't an explosive athlete. Won't dominant any game
-Doesn't offer much in rushing the passer. More of a run stopper
-Footwork could stand to improve.  Needs to keep moving feet which could help get a push
-Maintaining a good wight has been an issue in the past.

Summary
Lost in the shuffle of a disappointing season DaQuan Jones is a very talented defensive tackle that is going to really help a defense's run support.  Jones uses good leverage and strength to anchor in and clog up running lanes.  But he's much more than just a space eater. Jones does a great job of taking on blocks and shedding them to make a tackle or go after the quarterback. What's stopping Jones from being a higher rated prospect is his average athletic ability and lack of pass rushing potential. He'll get pressure on the quarterback but it comes from a strong bull rush and a non stop motor, but that's about it. He struggled in college and in the NFL it won't get any better.  But that doesn't doesn't mean teams will be down on him.  Quite the opposite. Jones brings a lot of versatility to his game.  He can play in either a one or two gap system and in the 4-3 or the 3-4.  He can play both DT spots in a four man front and the NT and DT in a three man front.  DaQuan Jones' best fit will be as a NT for a team looking to help their run defense.  He'll likely go in the fourth round, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a team fall in love with him and take him it the third. Houston, Philadelphia, or Chicago could all be landing spots for Jones.