Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
by Ed Valentine on Feb 4, 2010 7:00 AM EST
in 2010 NFL Draft
50 comments
While profiling NFL Draft prospects who might be of interest to our New York Giants, I want to recognize that there are seven rounds, not just one. Yes, the first round gets all the attention. But, it is the depth of the draft and how many players you hit on 2 thru 7 that often makes or breaks a draft.
So, many of the guys I profile will be players who won't be first-round selections. They are guys who could, though, end up available to the Giants as the draft unfolds.
Today, let's look at one such player. Arthur Jones of Syracuse is a highly-regarded defensive tackle prospect who is not generally thought of in the first wave of defensive tackles discussed by draft experts. He was somewhat injury-prone his last couple of seasons -- and, of course, he did play for Syracuse. So, those partially explain why his name isn't on the top of most boards.
But, he is an intriguing player at a position of need for the Giants. So, let's look closer.
Arthur Jones Scouting Reports
Jones is a 6-foot-4, 302-pound player with the reputation of being a better run defender than pass rusher from his post in the middle of the Syracuse line.
Here is part of the scouting report on Jones from SB Nation's Mocking The Draft.
Jones has the size and strength to play tackle in either a 3-4 or a 4-3. Syracuse used a three-man front in 2009 and Jones held the nose. While it limited some of Jones' playmaking ability, he was still a factor, particularly against the run.
Jones is flying far below the radar, especially after Gerald McCoy and Brian Price declared and Dan Williams emerged. But also causing the low profile are some serious injury concerns. He tore a pectoral muscle in the 2009 offseason and saw his senior year shortened by a torn left lateral meniscus.
Jones is an attractive prospect because his ability to play the 3-4 or 4-3. This would allow teams the luxury of presenting different looks on defense.
Jones' injuries may have knocked him out of the first 50 picks of the draft, but he's a very good player. Despite his injuries, Big East head coaches named him a first-team all-conference player in 2009.
Fantay Football Toolbox had this to say about Jones.
Heading into the 2009 season, Jones was considered one of the top five senior defensive tackles according to most pundits.
Having two surgeries in two years has raised major questions about his health. He will need to have a very productive NFL combine in order to move past the second or third round, but Jones certainly has the talent to be a solid defensive tackle in the NFL.
DraftSeason.com compares Jones to the Giants' Fred Robbins. If we are talking about Fred Robbins in his prime, Jones is the kind of player the Giants might want to consider.
Why Jones fits with the Giants
Obviously, the Giants need to improve their defense against the run. And improving the talent level at defensive tackle needs to be part of that. Jones is one of those guys who did not have a great season due to injuries, but in the second or third round might provide tremendous value at a position where the Giants need help. He has a reputation as a stout run defender who can hold his own against multiple blockers. It also seems as though his 2009 injuries did not allow him to showcase his true pass-rushing capability.
Why the Giants should pass
That injury history is the biggest red flag. The Giants just went through a rough season where too many key defenders could not get on the field consistently. Jones' talent may be too hard to ignore, especially if he is still available by Round 3, but the fact that he has not been able to stay healthy makes him a bit of a question mark.
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Sure
Remember that Cofield was a 4th-rounder. As you get deeper into the draft all these guys come with bigger question marks.
I Hope
That they’re not comparing him to this year’s Fred Robbins, that would be the kiss of the death for the poor kid…
Medical staff determination
Terrell Thomas had knee and shoulder surgery in college. He was cleared by the Giants’ medical staff and has had no problems in the pros.
If the staff clears Jones, I could see a third-round pick, if he drops that far. If they don’t, forget it.
Note: one of the mock draft sites has a scouting report on Jones, with the comment that he has trouble keeping his weight up to 295 and might be better as a DE. If true, that could take him out of the picture.
In any case, I don’t think the Giants can wait on drafting a DT to see if Jones falls to the third round – and risk having him gone by then. The need is too great. I see them taking Price or Williams in the first round.
Mickey C
Sure
But, when you figure you probably have to replace Robbins, Bernard and possible Cofield then you can’t just draft one guy or sign one free agent and say ‘done’ with that position. Jones is probably a third- or fourth-round guy. But those rounds are important, too.
It depends
on where Canty plays. So far, to me he has looked more like a DT than a DE in the 4-3. If at DT, then you have Canty, Cofield (who I expect will be tendered), Alford, and a high draft choice. Given that Alford is coming off a knee injury and that rookies don’t usually contribute right away, it is not a lot of depth, but, if Tuck moves inside on passing downs, it might be enough. You could make a case that, instead of a second DT in the draft, the Giants should go for a DE.
If Canty is part of the DE rotation,or if Cofield leaves, I agree with you – more depth at DT is essential.
Mickey C
Cofield FA?
Isn’t it safe to assume no CBA before the uncapped year, and then Cofield becomes a RFA? Can’t imagine the Giants not giving him a good tender offer.
yes he is a RFA
and all they have to do is tender him.
THo its not too far fetched to say that a team with multiple mid-round picks (or whatever the tender is for Cofield) could make an offer to him and pony up the cash and picks to the Giants.
They’d have a decision on if they would match it.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 4, 2010 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
To Arthur!
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
3rd round or later only
Arthur Jones has had two surgeries in the last two seasons. He’s certainly a talented DT but I wouldn’t take him before the 3rd round. The Giants have had too many injury issues to take chances on him earlier than that.
I posted that 2 days ago. No need to change anything.
I like Jones
I know many are gonna (^^) point out the injuries, and that’s why he’s a third-4th rounder and reasonably so.
But before the knee injury (and WITH the Peck injury), he was a candidate for the first round, middle of the first round to be exact (like say…#15?)
Jones played a lot of NOSE tackle even at his ‘small’ size, so he is a strong dude. WHo knows how much he really weighs right now since he’s probably not working out right now.
Its been said that he can’t put on muscle…but I read from a few people who know alot about ‘Cuse, that the former coach there didn’t let him work too much (if at all?) in the weight room.
I wouldn’t mind getting Jones even if they get Price in the 1st round!
For all anyone knows, Chris Canty could indeed be that large POS we saw in 2009 and then they’ll cut him after this season (since I doubt we’re getting a cap).
All about the future..and if they had 2 2nd year young tackles (to go along with Alford and Cofield…if Cofield is locked up long term….that’s another one who could go), that’s better then it actually becoming a big need next year.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
I just cannot believe
that you have posted 23,000 comments in 11 months!
That is over 2,000 a month , 475 a week or nearly 70 a day!
Just what will you do when you finish studying?
I also see you run amok in the 7 round mock draft – Bowman in the 2nd round…..
by G Fan in England on Feb 4, 2010 8:19 AM EST up reply actions
THAT is running amok!
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
It wasn't that Greg Robinson "didn't let them work out too much"
it was the just that the toolbox had absolutely NO conditioning requirements. Seriously, not a one. Players did not have to show up and prove they were in any kind of shape to play football for a D one school. The man was a joke.
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Feb 4, 2010 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
Can anyone
post a link to the website which generates score and stat game forecasts for the SB.
Thanks
I recall one was posted for the Giants Falcons game last year but I cannot find the link now.
by G Fan in England on Feb 4, 2010 8:30 AM EST reply actions
try accuscore? maybe
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Feb 4, 2010 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
just a thought
It is well known that the DT position is one of the more stocked positions this year, which I think allows the Giants to look at a safety (Mays, Thomas) or linebacker (McClain[doubtful he will make it to us], Spikes) in the first round. Then picking up a quality DT later on.
Another thought, if the linebacker that the Giants want doesnt fall to them, Im guess McClain is the one real guy they are looking at, and they take a safety, Mays, instead. Do you the Giants look at Porter for a 1-2 year fill in till they find their MLB of the future?
Given the roster we had going into 2009 ...
I never thought we’d be talking a DT as a potential # 1 pick this April. Truly sad.
Joey Porter
isnt a MLB. He plays OLB in a 3-4 defense and is primarily just a pass rusher. He wouldnt be a fit.
As a Giants fan and SU Alumn
This would be sweet. When he is healthy he is a force trust me. If we take him I will go and buy his jersey immediately in all hopes that he becomes a stud pick for the NY Giants.
we all agree
DT(s) in the mid-later rounds for depth is a good idea.
The remaining question that none of us know the answer to is how high will JR pick a DT in the draft.
Best athlete for certain with a bias towards MLB and then safety is my bet.
Generally it seems that OT and DT can be found in later round more easily than MLB or even safety
maybe after LB and Safety has been addressed
He gets hurt, plays hurt and came back for more. Plus, he stops the run. We need guys like that on our D-line. But, look at the top teams in the NFL, their defenses have veteran leadership and speed, which we dont have on our defense right now. Trade these lotto picks and fill our needs with proven players.
OI81T
Disagree
and with the possibility of no CBA, they would have to give an arm and a leg to get any quality vets.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 4, 2010 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
yeah but...
I just feel like a couple of veterans with an attitude is what we need right now. Time is not on our side in the NFL.
OI81T
time is always on our side...
the Giants aren’t the Redskins.
There’s a reason why the Giants have been successful of recent times…its because they’ve drafted so well and signed FA’s smartly.
You always build for the future. As long as the Giants have Eli Manning…they should be re-tooling…not loading up for one big run.
Besides…since when does trading for a bunch of veterans do anything?
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 4, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
See 2009 season
Bernard, canty and boley, non of whom were really worth the money we paid them
by catsmeat84 on Feb 4, 2010 10:45 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn't mind some vets
but not at the expense of our 2010 or even 2011 draft! I would be all over a vet MLB at this point but whats it gonna cost?
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 4, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
He would be a great
pickup in the later rounds. Assuming they get a DT in the earlier rounds, the Giants could then afford to coach up Jones while he rides the bench and gets super healthy.
15 is a good number
Plus maintain depth after dumping Bernard and Robbins
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 4, 2010 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Pass rush/ run stuff
It seems to me that, as these guys are being classified as one or the other, what the Giants need is a run stuffer who occupies OL to allow our DEs to rack up sacks. Seem correct? In that case in the Price-Williams debate it’d be Williams, eh?
You play to win the game!
I'm afraid that is not how pass rushing / pass protection works
The “fat bastards” do take up 2 blockers in run defense, but for pass defense they are easily handled by a single guard or center. They are just too slow to get past them with a pass rushing move and the guards / centers are often just as strong as them so they can’t just overpower them
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 4, 2010 8:17 PM EST up reply actions
Jones
I saw a lot of S.U. games the past 2 years [Alumnus]. Art Jones could dominate, or he could me M.I.A. I have seen him blow by a offensive lineman & whiff on the QB.
I may spend a 5 th on him, he probably has had minimal coaching.
Nothing Is Fool proof if you have the right fools.
sounds like Kiwanuka....
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 4, 2010 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
I don't like this Jones guy..I think we can do better
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
Injury plus poor technique
Is not a great scouting report. This isn’t a knock on Jones, but
Alford is coming off surgery, Canty was hurt all season, you have to bring in at least one DT that is healthy. Even if it is just a depth pick. I’d pass on Jones.
Back to yesterday
when we all had strong views about moving up to get Rolando McClain. A few of you need to chill out on my comments to Free. If anyone thought it was mean spirited, and personal, it wasn’t. I apologize if anyone took it the wrong way, including Free. He took it like a man and did not verbally say anything out of line. As fans we are all passionate for the Giants and we want them in the Super Bowl every year. These forums are for true fans to banter about their opinions on what is best for our Giants. This site is made up of many knowledgable fans who have excellent insite on football. In my opinion Free is the best of them all and I look forward to reading his posts every day. Free you have tremendous knowledge and insite. This site would not be the same without you. My comments about Free yesterday were in jest, and were me poking fun at him. I look forward to more discussions in the near future. I also look forward to Free sharing his vast knowledge of football to all of us. I am not an expert, but I have been a die hard Giants Fan for 50 years. I am 58 yrs old and started watching the G-men when I was 8 with my grandfather. YA Title, Sam Huff, Rosey Grier. I have been to Yankee Stadium, Yale Bowl, Shea Stadium, thru the awful yrs and the great years. George Young gave me and 3 of my friends tickets to the Giants SB party after they beat Denver Broncos. I am good friends with Joe Morrise’s dad.
When we read someone’s comments we have to be careful not to misquote them. Most important of all is that we don’t use this forum for any personal attacks or to drop any F Bombs. You guys know who you are.
So Free, Bring it on and get the Giants 5 Pro Bowl players in this yrs draft, and get the Giants back to the Superbowl!
I'd like to apologize then
It sounded really sarcastic and mean spirited to me, but the internet lies to you.
Sorry about that
Never assume skill at bouncing a ball makes you smarter than the guy who built the court.
When there's a WILL there's a WAY
yea it definitely didnt' seem that way...
if it was a couple sentences then it would seem sarcastic (in a good way), but it was basically as long as this paragraph you just wrote, so it seemed a bit off the wall.
Its all good.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
Watching this kid since HS
I grew up in Vestal, NY, so I’ve been watching and playing with Arthur since he was about 10 years old. And I will tell you that the kid is good. More than good. He was able to single handedly support the Orange’s run defense for a good 3 years while the rest of the team was god awful, and while he was injured he came back from it without losing anything in his ability. The injury will hurt his stock but I see it as a Corey Webster situation, a universal mid first round pick who slides into the 2nd due to injury. Take a MLB in the first and pick up Jones in the 2nd.
I've been watching the 'Cuse for 23 years
Arthur Jones was one of the best players I’ve ever seen. I would absolutely love to have him on the Giants. He was the recipient of one of the worst coaching regimes in Division I history, so I think his potential with some real coaching is immense. He faced double teams as a regular matter of course, and triple teams quite often, yet he still had some dominating performances (look up his game against Notre Dame two years ago. 15 tackles and like 7.5 TFL from a defensive tackle spot). The first injury was a fluke, it was a weightlifting accident. He is by no means “injury-prone”, he wasn’t dogged by consistent injuries, he had one fluke injury and then the ankle injury came with two games left in the season. This guy is a warrior and has a chance with some actual coaching to be a monster.
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Feb 4, 2010 5:28 PM EST reply actions
Looks like Larry Foote ...
may be a FA. Not sure how much left in the tank at 30 this fall, but FA fix at MLB would free us up to draft S / DT early this year.
If the team was where we THOUGHT they'd be last year (sorry about error before)
This guy would be interesting, but the Giants D has so many holes in it and so many question marks, I don’t think it’s a great time to take on a “project” player. If he falls to #4 (doubtful) maybe, but I think you want as sure shots as you can get in the draft with the front three picks before you even consider a prospect, and it wouldn’t bother me after taking Becks and Barden last year that they avoid “projects” and “special situations” altogether for this draft.
This guy looks pretty good
its unlikely he will be there in the 3rd round but if he is i think he would be a fantastic pick
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 4, 2010 8:26 PM EST reply actions
Jones in HS
Arthur Jones is an animal… I know this because not only have I been watching him play at Syracuse the past four years, but he also went to the same high school as me. Watching him play for my old football team (Union-Endicott HS) was awesome and then for him to choose to play for Syracuse was even sweeter. And now theres a chance for him to be drafted by my all-time favorite team, well that would just be the icing on the cake.
And another thing...
His brother Jon “Bones” Jones is freak of nature. He will be showcasing his mean streak in the UFC octagon next month on Versus.
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