Scouts notebook: Syracuse defensive tackle Arthur Jones

Nov 13, 2009, 10:09 PM UTC

As promised, here is the write-up on Syracuse senior defensive tackle Arthur Jones. This season, I watched four of Jones games -- South Florida, West Virginia, Akron and Cincinnati.

Jones could be picked in the first 25 selections on draft day. A lot will depend on how he returns from his most-recent injury.

Arthur Jones

6’4, 293 pounds | Syracuse | Defensive tackle
Pass rush: Because of the position he plays and an overall lack of great athleticism, Jones struggled at times getting after the passer. He doesn’t have a good counter move after his initial post-snap maneuver. Needs to learn how to use his hands better in the pass rush.
Pursuit: Jones is better suited in making plays in front of him instead of chasing down a ball carrier. It will be interesting to see how a recent knee injury impacts his pursuit ability.
Quickness: Jones is fairly quick off the snap. He’s really good at bursting through gaps and getting after the ball.
Run defend: Keeps a good anchor against double teams. Has the leg drive to maintain his space. Big and strong enough to play nose in a 3-4 scheme. Showed he could be a factor against the run -- see 2008 Notre Dame game.
Size: Officially listed by Syracuse as 6-foot-4 and 293 pounds. This season Jones looked much bigger. His frame appears to be maxed out, but he’s built very stout.
Strength: Powerful throughout his frame. Was a high school state champion in wrestling and has great core strength, which makes him hard to move.
Tackling: When Jones get in on a play, he’s hard to avoid because he stays low while tackling. Can disengage from blockers and make one-arm tackles.
Technique: Too frequently comes off the snap high, which allows linemen to get under his pads. Needs to do a better job of dropping his butt and bending his knees to get leverage. Gets good placement but he could do a better job of hand fighting. Hand/arm jolt is good.
Versatility: Jones has the size and strength to play tackle in either a 3-4 or a 4-3. Syracuse used a three-man front in 2009. While it limited some of Jones’ playmaking ability, he was still a factor, particularly against the run.