STRENGTHS - Smart and highly competitive, Jones consistently blocks to the limits of his ability. Very versatile, Jones has started at OT, OG and C during his career at Alabama. Quick out of stance and set to pass block, he is consistently able to get hands on defensive linemen first. Flashes VG hand-use and placement to jolt DT with hard punch and can keep man on LOS well when he delivers good punch. Instinctive and aware, Jones works well with the other linemen to switch off versus DL stunts/loops. Quick off the ball to make contact on side/angle run blocks, he stays over his feet, keeps feet moving and can pin man to side. He has the quick feet to get through the LOS and to pull and get outside, but is not effective adjusting to block a moving target.
WEAKNESSES - Jones is a straight line athlete who has quick feet, but cannot come off track to adjust and block effectively in space. His lack of flexibility hinders his ability to bend knees and sink hips to block with leverage, which hinders his playing strength. His inability to pass block with leverage allows explosive off the ball power rushers to jolt and drive him backwards when he does not get his hands on pass rusher first. In addition, this upright pass blocking technique hinders his ability to slide well side to side to adjust to quick COD pass rush moves. On in-line run blocks he has a bad habit of leaning and reaching to make and maintain contact, which leads to him falling off blocks too often. He is not an aggressive, fire-off the ball run blocker which limits his ability to get any movement on straight ahead/short-yardage run blocks. Overall, Jones is limited athletically, which will hinder his ability to block the elite athletes of the NFL.
SUMMARY - Despite a highly decorated college career, I do not believe that Jones has the athleticism and natural strength to be as productive in the NFL as he was in college. I love watching Jones play because he plays with the passion, intensity and competitiveness that few linemen do, which usually enables him to find a way to keep his man from making/impacting the play. At most positions limited athletes are not able to survive and become solid starters in the NFL, but history has shown that many interior offensive linemen are able to develop if they have the necessary size and intangibles. Overall, I have a feeling that Jones is going to be over-drafted because he is so smart that he is going to "wow" offensive line coaches in interviews which will lead to them thinking they can coach him into a better player than he is because he will out work nearly everyone. I would consider Jones in the 3rd or 4th round as he should be a solid starting center in time, but any higher is a big risk due to his athletic and strength limitations.