Chandler Jones is a young, raw, athletic edge pass rusher, with a big wingspan and good agility for a 6’5” 265 pound player.  Jones coils in his stance like a sprinter and displays solid off the line burst, quickly engaging offensive lineman, and using that some acceleration to close on ballcarriers or quarterbacks in the pocket.  He’s long and relatively lean, especially in the upper body, but has the frame to add mass and strength (could carry 280 lbs. comfortably), which I forsee happening in his future.  Not possessing overly fluid hips, Jones does show good speed when he gets his shoulders square to the target, allowing him to effectively chase plays down the line or downfield.

          Versus the pass, Jones gets of the ball on time, using his long arms to keep offensive linemen off his body, typically utilizing speed and jump to get around the edge.  When he keeps his pad level down, he turns the corner repeatedly, and can drive the opposing player back on his heels with a solid bullrush;  however, often his first move out of his stance is to stand straight up.  In these instances, leverage is sacrificed and his pass rush is easily neutralized.  At times, he will employ a club or spin move, but, for the most part, Jones relies on the speed rush or arm-under move.  As a rusher, Jones is raw, but effective, often collapsing the pocket and displaying plus closing burst when the quarterback is within range.  With better, consistent leverage, and some added rush moves to his bag of tricks, he could develop into a first rate pass rusher at the next level.

          Against the run, Jones vacillates between ineffective and inconsistent.  Again, he can get too vertical, allowing offensive linemen to get under his pads, and either neutralize his advance or turn him out of the hole.  At times, he uses his reach to his advantage, quickly getting his strong hands on the opponent and shedding the block, but this skill needs to be further developed;  he did improve in this area over the course of his career at Syracuse.  He also needs to get stronger to hold his ground better at the point of attack, and to keep from getting washed out of plays.  He’s an aggressive pursuer of the ball, though sometimes this is used against him, as he loses outside containment, crashing down the line, and abandoning edge responsibilities.  He will chase plays down, using good pursuit speed and extensive range, even 20-30 yards downfield.  Jones does make plays on the backside and all areas of the field, even getting back into the action after being initially blocked, displaying the athletic ability to tackle in open space.

          Ultimately, Jimmy likes the potential of Chandler Jones as a 4-3 defensive end.  Right now, he’s not strong enough or consistent enough with technique to be a solid run defender, but he show flashes of potential.  As a situational pass rusher, he can contribute immediately, though without improved pad level, he will be handled easily, by NFL level offensive tackles.  Jones has the athletic ability to play some outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, providing an edge rush and occasionally dropping into coverage;  however, in a standing initial position, leverage problems may be exacerbated.  I project Jones developing into a solid all around defensive end, a serviceable run-stopper, who’s counted on to repeatedly bring the heat to the signal caller.  Expect him to be a consistent starter after three or four years, with maybe a season or two worthy of pro bowl consideration.

PJ Grade: 6.9