Tuesday was the final day teams were allowed to bring prospects into their facility for official top-30 visits. And there was a flurry of activity. Here’s the latest on literally one of the biggest prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft, Travis Jones.
2022 NFL Draft News and Rumors: Travis Jones’ stock has soared
The big defensive tackle from UConn has watched his draft stock take off since February. After a disappointing senior season playing for what was one of the worst programs in IA/FCS, Jones dominated three days of Senior Bowl practice and was unstoppable each session. He then turned in a terrific workout at the Combine, timing the 40 in 4.92 seconds at 325 pounds (with a terrific 10-yard split of 1.78), 4.58 seconds in the short shuttle, and 7.33 seconds in the three-cone.
While Jones has been getting some late first-round grades from teams around the league, expectations are he’ll end up being selected somewhere in the early part of Round 2.
Jones has been very busy the past few weeks and made official visits to see the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New England Patriots. The New York Jets also hosted Jones as part of their local pro day visits.
Travis Jones’ Scouting Report
Positives: Large, athletic defensive tackle who has made a late charge up draft boards. Strong, possesses outstanding mass, and tosses aside blockers to get to the action. Powerful in his lower body, bull rushes opponents off the line, and collapses the pocket.
Plays with proper pad level, gets leverage on opponents, and is impossible to move off the point. Consistently commands double-team blocks, yet works his hands and holds his ground. Rarely off his feet and creates opportunities for teammates.
Negatives: Not a lineman you’re going to run a lot of stunts and twists with up front. Average pass rusher. Lacks any semblance of quickness or speed trying to get outside the box. Late finding the ball.
Analysis: Jones had great expectations at UConn that were rarely met on the field. After the 2021 season, he went on to have three dominant days of practice at the Senior Bowl. He had a terrific Combine workout. Jones has scheme versatility and can be used as everything from a defensive tackle in a four-man front to a traditional nose tackle.
Jones has tremendous upside — the only thing standing in his way is himself. If he’s focused and makes football a priority, Jones will be a productive NFL defender. Otherwise, he will disappoint a lot of people.