Syracuse University defensive end Chandler Jones is ranked as the 98th-best overall prospect for the 2012 NFL in rankings released this week by Scott Wright of Draft Countdown. Wright is a highly-respect, veteran draft analyst.

Jones, 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, had 4.5 sacks while playing just seven games for the Orange in 2011.

Wes Bunting of the National Football Post had this to say about Jones:

I love his size and length. But I worry about defensive lineman who play upright, lack a great get off burst and struggle to change directions. I don’t see him as a big time pass rusher. But if he improves his pad level he could mature into a potential starting option.

The ranking of 98th (Bunting has Jones at No. 103) would put Jones into the third or fourth-round discussion when it comes to the draft this April.

Jones is the only Syracuse player to be ranked among the top 100 draft prospects.