2024 NFL Draft: Christian Jones Scouting Report
Christian Jones NFL Draft Overview
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6′-5″
Weight: 306 pounds
School: Texas
2024 NFL Draft: Christian Jones Scouting Report
After spending the past six years with the Texas Longhorns, former three-star recruit Christian Jones ha declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. The offensive tackle is coming off yet another strong season, starting 13 games at the right tackle position.
Jones started off his life as an avid soccer player and waited until his Junior year of high school to make his football debut. The decision paid off, as he quickly earned national attention and made 48 starts at one of the top programs in the country. The offensive lineman also demonstrated the versatility to play both tackle positions while with the Longhorns.
Strengths
- Already possesses NFL strength – pure bull rushes will not work on him;
- Long arms allow him to engage opposing pass rushers early in the snap;
- Technically sound moving downhill – knows how to use every last ounce of his muscle;
- Physical style of play punishes defenders and wears them out throughout the contest;
- Doesn’t draw many penalties – keeps defenders engaged without holding.
Weaknesses
- Slow on his feet – lacks the agility to match speed rushers;
- Scheme-specific player who won’t do well in open space;
- Unimpressive athleticism caps his overall ceiling;
- Subpar footwork can be exploited when falling back in pass protection;
- Lack of range could mean a transition to guard in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Guy Whimper
Teams With Need at Position: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots
Projection: Rounds 4-5
Bottom Line on Christian Jones in the NFL Draft
Christian Jones is a good college football player who will struggle to adjust to the higher level of competition in the NFL. During his time at Texas, the offensive lineman got by simply by being stronger than everyone else. That strength will translate to the National Football League, as Jones is immovable in pure bull rush situations. His long arms keep defenders from engaging him early, while his firm anchor and overall muscle lock him to the ground. This ability carries over to the run game, where he can bulldoze any linebacker standing in front of him.
The problems arise when defenders aren’t standing in front of him. Jones is a below-average athlete by NFL standards, so he’d need near-perfect footwork if he’s going to make it at tackle. Unfortunately, his footwork is well below average, and this combination makes him something of a turnstile against speed rushers. He struggled to keep up with faster edge defenders in college, and he won’t be able to match the quicker play speed of the NFL.
Because of this, Christian Jones might have to transition to guard following the NFL Draft. Athleticism isn’t as important on the interior offensive line, and he has the strength to overpower defensive tackles. Once he learns the position, he could turn into a solid starter. The good news is he should be a quick learner, as he picked up both tackle positions on the fly in college.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
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