With the 2012 NFL Draft less than a month away ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay continues to champion the draft case for Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones. Most analysts seem to see Jones as a third- or fourth-round selection, but throughout the entire buildup to the April draft McShay has seen Jones as much more than that.
McShay continued to showcase that belief in Jones in his latest mock draft, a two-round version. McShay has the 6-foot-6, 266-pound Jones going to the New England Patriots in the first round, 27th overall.
McShay says:
“Jones is one of the most underrated prospects in the entire 2012 class and just the kind of versatile defender Bill Belichick likes. Jones is long and athletic and can play end in an odd or even front, maybe even some outside linebacker in 3-4 looks.”
In its most recent computer simulation, Draft Tek had Jones pegged as fourth-round pick, going to the Arizona Cardinals with the 111th overall selection.