The Benito Jones NFL Draft Portfolio

There may be no sports played anytime soon, but the NFL is still holding their draft and we're just one week out.

The 2020 NFL Draft is no longer in Las Vegas. Instead, it'll be held virtually with all coaches, general managers and teams operating remotely using virtual draft software. Still, players will be picked and franchises will be changed.

More importantly for some of these graduating seniors and players leaving college football early, lives will be altered in the next week to a tremendous degree.

With less than one week left until the draft, commencing with the first round on Thursday, April 23rd, it's time to take a look at the draft stock for eligible Ole Miss Rebels. First up: Benito Jones.

A former five-star recruit, Jones became a four-year letter winner at Ole Miss. His senior season on the defensive line was his best yet.

Benito Jones (95) was legitimately unblockable for #OleMiss on Saturday. Set the tone for that defensive front early.

Great use of the quick hands in the pass rush and pure physicality on the run stuff from these three plays pic.twitter.com/BoynOkHCrx
— Nathanael Gabler (@nategabler) October 7, 2019

Jones recorded 5.5 sacks from the interior of the defensive line, adding 10 additional tackles for loss. He even intercepted a pass. All this combines to the guy that could be the first Rebel drafted this season.

What did his NFL combine measurables look like?

Height: 6' 1" (5th percentile among DL)
Weight: 316 lbs (89th percentile)
Arm length: 32 7/8" (30th percentile)
Hand size: 9 3/4" (38th percentile)
40-yard dash: 5.26 seconds (8th percentile)
Vertical jump: 26.5 inches (9th percentile)
3 cone drill: 8.21 seconds (2nd percentile)
20-yard shuttle: 5.27 seconds (0th percentile)

NFL player comparisons by testing numbers: Derrick Nandi, Charles Walker, Andrew Billings

What are the experts saying?

Lance Zierlein (NFL.com) - 6.10 grade (good backup who could become a starter)

"When the tape is on, it's impossible not to notice Jones making things tough for SEC offensive linemen. He possesses average power at the point of attack but can really be disruptive when he's actively attacking the gaps. He may have issues with contact balance and anchor against NFL double-teams, so scheme fit might matter. He's an even-front shade nose who can step into an early rotational role, but has the potential to become a future starter with adequate rush potential to boot."

Kevin Hanson (Sports Illustrated) - 5th round projection
Kyle Crabbs (The Draft Network)

"Benito Jones projects as a viable A-gap DT prospect for the NFL level. With desirable build, natural leverage and effective skills to eat up doubles, Jones may not have a lot of upside as a three down player but he will certainly provide value in run stuffing. Jones can push through gaps and has success to destroy steep angles and create some push in the heart of the POA himself, too — this is a potential starter, but he plays a low value position and can be had in the heart of the draft."

R.J. White (CBS Sports) - 5th round projection
Matt Miller (Bleacher Report) - 6th round projection
Charlie Campbell (WalterFootball.com) - 6th round projection

"For the NFL, Jones could be a heavy nose tackle who contributes somewhat in the pass rush. Jones got his 2019 season off to an impressive start with a strong performance against Memphis, including an interception. On the year, he totaled 30 tackles tackles with 5.5 sacks and four passes batted. Jones then was decent at the Senior Bowl. He has some athleticism and quickness, but also has limitations from his height and lack of length."

Other Rebel draft portfolios:

Scottie Phillips

Josiah Coatney

Qaadir Sheppard

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