Leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft starting on April 29th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up…
Patrick Jones II (Edge Rusher), University of Pittsburgh, Redshirt Senior
OVERVIEW:
With the recent departure of Bud Dupree, the Steelers will look to address the lack of depth at the defensive edge in the coming draft. We learned last year how valuable an edge rusher is to help compliment TJ Watt. At 6’4” and weighing about 264 pounds, Jones could be the deep power the Steelers need. Already a familiar name and face to the UMPC Rooney Sports Complex, Jones may be an ideal fit in the Steelers’ defense.
PROS:
Jones is an incredible force at the line. In the 2020 Pitt season, it seemed as whenever the defense needed a big play, Jones stepped up. In his career at Pitt, Jones racked up a total of 115 tackles with 21.5 sacks. To help prove further how much of a potential game wrecker he is, Jones also had 4 passes deflected and 5 forced fumbles. Jones has an enormous wingspan of just less than 80 inches with 10 inch hands. Paired with his size, he has incredible speed off the ball and holds an elite ability to shed blocks and fill gaps to stop the run. It is Jones’ size and speed that is placing him on a lot of NFL scouts’ radars.
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CONS:
Although Jones has great timing off the ball, there were several instances in college where he mistimed the snap and drew dumb penalties. NFL coaches are quick to demote those types of players and will leave Jones in an unfortunate spot on an NFL roster. Jones will need to adapt quickly to the NFL quarterbacks’ advanced cadences to be truly effective on defense.
Jones played in a 4-3 scheme in college as an edge rusher. In today’s NFL defenses, most like to see versatility in a strong rusher, while still being able to drop back into coverage. With the Steelers playing a 3-4 defensive scheme, Jones would need to play as an outside linebacker, as opposed to a true defensive end. In his only opportunity to show case these potential skills to NFL scouts, Jones pulled his hamstring running the 40-yard dash. Some teams may see that as a bad omen.
DRAFT PROJECTION: Late 2nd round to early 3rd round
With players like the Watt brothers, Khalil Mack, Jadeveon Clowney, and Von Miller, NFL teams know the value of a strong defensive edge rusher. According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, Jones is ranked 7th at the defensive edge position. This bodes well for the Steelers, as it will give them time to select a top-tier running back and/or offensive lineman, and then go after Jones.
VERDICT:
Jones is a true Pittsburgh football player. He works hard and has a strong motor. This is evident in his successful career at Pitt. However for him to be an idyllic fit in Keith Butler’s defense, he’d need to be converted to OLB. I am not saying it is impossible, but it could lead to Jones not being a year one starter for a 3-4 defense. The Steelers will need to mold him into their ideal defensive force. But as he proved in college, this can be done. I like Jones as a part of a well-rounded defense, and I hope to see him in the black and gold in April.
Where do you think Jones will land in April? Let us know in the comments below!
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