FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Texas offensive tackle Christian Jones.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Christian Jones
Christian Jones (OT – Texas)
6’6″ – 321 lbs.
Background:
Christian Jones is a Texas native who redshirted the 2018 season and played on the field goal unit the following year before starting nine games at right tackle and one at left tackle in 2020 (five sacks allowed.) Started all 12 games at left tackle the following year (four sacks allowed) before flipping back to right tackle for all 13 games in 2022 (three sacks). Reprised the starting right tackle role this year to conclude his collegiate career with 48 starts overall, allowing just one sack on the year.
Positives:
Highly experienced four-year starter with one of those seasons coming on the left side; seemed to make some strides in each season. Big, well-built right tackle with a very thick build throughout his frame and what appears to be solid length. Functional strength is what you’d expect given his size; can overpower smaller opponents on contact. Plays with toughness and shows a killer instinct to finish reeling opponents; works hard to stick with his man through the whistle. Overall grip strength is very good, allowing him to stay connected and maintain his blocks when playing within his frame. Shows good leg drive after contact to generate movement. Protects the edge pretty effectively because of his size and length. Nice short, choppy steps in his kick slide. He is active with his hands to get extension and appears to have good placement overall. Drops an early anchor in pass protection to stonewall bull-rushers at the line. Works hard to get out in space and disrupt opponents in the screen game.
Negatives:
Athleticism is relatively limited. He can be a bit of a waist-bender and doesn’t appear to have ideal flexibility in his lower body, undermining his leverage. Will occasionally lower his head into contact, allowing defenders to slip past him. Tends to play outside his frame at times, leading him to fall off of blocks. Can get grabby when he’s beat and has been penalty prone over his career — 29 penalties over four years, plus two that were offset or declined. Struggled at left tackle, although that was early in his collegiate career. Has zero experience on the inside.
Summary:
A big, tough lunchpail type with a strong build and a good work rate. He’s capable of locking on and moving bodies in the run game and can anchor effectively in pass protection on the edge as well. There are sloppy elements to his game that probably shouldn’t be there after spending six years in school and four years as a starter but he’s typically been able to win ugly. Looks like a developmental reserve for a gap-based scheme. Could potentially get converted to guard.
Projection: Round 5
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