2. Chris Jones, DE Mississippi State
Chris Jones forced opponents to recognize his abilities during the 2015 season. With 7.5 tackles for a loss (44 total tackles) and 2.5 sacks, Jones showed his ability breakaway from blockers. At 6’6″ and 308 pounds, he fits the NFL mold of a 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE. Unfortunately, many people will remember him for running out of shorts at the 2016 NFL Combine.
Jones clearly has the strength, size, and ability to be a dominant NFL defensive lineman. The biggest concern may be off the field as the prospect has been arrested twice recently. Granted, the offenses were not drug or violence related, but they may cause teams to dive deeper into his background. Several reports describe him as playing “too high,” and he lacks the high motor that many top defenders possess.
The recent arrests seem minor enough for most teams to ignore, but if the Ravens get lucky and Jones falls out of the first round, they would be stupid to pass on this beast. He can start right away and greatly improve the run defense, and he can also occupy multiple lineman to open up the pass rush for Suggs and Dumervil. Teaming Jones with Timmy Jernigan will make the Ravens front difficult to run against.
Next: Andrew Billings