Football: UConn Defender Selected in Third Round of Latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft
In the latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft by The NFL Draft Bible, UConn defensive tackle Travis Jones was selected in the third round by the New Orleans Saints with the 98th overall pick. That projection would make Jones the highest selected Huskies player in the NFL Draft since Obi Melifonwu (Oakland Raiders) was chosen with the 56th overall selection back in 2015.
The Storrs star defender has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his college career. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 333 pounds, Jones boasts plenty of versatility on the interior, playing the one-technique and three-technique positions. He possesses tremendous strength and has proven to dominate offensive linemen when presented with one-on-one matchups. Jones demonstrates a brilliant push-pull move, along with a strong bull-rush, which he can counter off with a swim or dip, similar to that of Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald.
The UConn football program may be losing one of their best players to the NFL but it's a great sign for a program that is turning itself around, as Jones could very well hear his name called within one of the top 100 selections. Currently, he ranks as the 15th-rated down lineman and 113th overall player, according to the NFL Draft Bible. Be sure to check back to UConn Illustrated as we chronicle his 'Draft Journey.'
