4 NFL Draft prospects the Ravens could target to replace Brandon Williams
By Justin Fried
2. Ravens draft target: Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
Travis Jones might get a little overshadowed by the consensus best nose tackle in this class — more on that player in a moment — but make no mistake about it.
Jones has a chance to become a really productive NFL player and he could be a steal for a team looking to upgrade at nose tackle on Day 2 of the draft.
At 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, Jones is well-built for the position and actually first enrolled at Connecticut weighing in at 360 pounds. He’s since dropped over 30 pounds and the results have been incredibly encouraging.
Jones hasn’t lost any of that raw power that made him one of the best run-stoppers in all of the FBS. Instead, he’s added a new element to his game — unprecedented speed and mobility.
Few players at Jones’ size move as well as he does. Per The Draft Network, Jones has just 13 percent body fat despite weighing in at well over 300 pounds. He’s a true freak of nature.
As a junior in 2021, Jones posted career-highs in every major statistic finishing the regular season with 48 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. As a nose tackle, those numbers are downright absurd.
There’s every reason to believe that Jones could step in and be an instant-impact contributor as a run defender with the athleticism to develop into a well-rounded pass rusher as well.
After all, he was far from a one-trick pony at Connecticut using his strength and leverage to collapse pockets on the regular.
Travis Jones might just be the best bank-for-your-buck nose tackle target for the Ravens this offseason.