2018 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State

When Dave Gettleman became the new general manager of the New York Giants, he made the definitive statement that fixing the offensive line was one of his top priorities. There is, of course, free agency to consider, but the Giants will also likely turn to the draft to add talent in the trenches.

There are a few top prospects to consider, but Ohio State’s Jamarco Jones is currently flying under the radar. He is set to compete at the East-West Shrine Game, and a strong performance could not only raise his national profile, but perhaps even earn him an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

Measurables

Pros

• NFL frame, appears to have adequate length arms with the potential to add size.
• Fluid mover with quick feet and good balance in his kick-slide. Looks comfortable mirroring rushers and moving in space.
• Appears to be a natural knee bender.
• Generally good hand usage, flashes a “pop” in his punch. Frequently bends defenders backwards
• Anchors well against power rushes.
• Deals with stunts and twists well and is used to playing with his hand in the dirt.
• Tenacious blocker in pass protection flashes the ability to generate movement in the run game.

Cons

• Frame is somewhat limited by NFL standards. Doesn’t have obvious “first round” athleticism nor overwhelming power.
• Technique occasionally gets lazy, with hands drifting low and wide, rather than staying tight and punching.
• Pad level occasionally rises, but he still does a decent job of re-anchoring after contact.
• Appears to have some stiffness in his ankles.

Prospect video

What they’re saying about Jones

“It has been his approach to the game, specifically to his technique and knowledge of the offense — he spends more time preparing each day and is one of the most intelligent guys I have been around. That preparation has led to him becoming a better player, and that has spread to the rest of the offensive line.”

- Greg Studrawa, OSU offensive line coach

Final thoughts

I like Jamarco Jones. After watching his tape, I’m honestly surprised that he was invited to the East-West Shrine Game and not the Senior Bowl. There is a dearth of highly-touted talent at the offensive tackle position after Conner Williams (Texas) and Mike McGlinchey (Notre Dame). Jones might not be a first rounder, but he could find himself as a riser over the draft process -- especially considering how many NFL teams are in desperate need of offensive line help.

Considering the Giants’ needs along the offensive line, it is safe to say that he does fit. The Giants have yet, as of this writing, to hire a new head coach, so specific scheme fit is difficult to say at this point. Jones should be scheme versatile at the next level, but he might be a better fit in a zone blocking scheme that takes advantage of his smooth athleticism and places less emphasis on a lineman’s ability to overpower defenders and generate movement off the ball.

Regardless, he looks like an NFL offensive tackle and should be able to stick on the outside at the next level.