NFL Draft Profile: Dawand Jones, Offensive Lineman, Ohio State Buckeyes
#79
Pos: OT
Ht: 6072
Wt: 360
DOB: 8/6/2001
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
High School: Ben Davis
Eligibility: 2023
Dawand Jones Ohio State Buckeyes
One-Liner:
A colossal tackle with a robust playstyle, Jones skill set is few and far between and will leave teams clamoring for his services come the draft.
Evaluation:
Size is astounding, length and mass that is visible from the nosebleeds. Naturally wide base that remains consistent throughout his pass set. Hand fighting is non-negotiable. His innate length prohibits pass rushers from reaching his chest. Heavy hands that disrupt defenders trying to work a move. Plays long through the point of attack, as expected with his frame. Impressive anchor that is seldom threatened. Remarkable adjustments to counter moves, swiping away incoming technique. Synced with his linemen, understands where and when to slide, and diagnoses stunts and blitzes. Stout in the run game. Brings intensity to every call and works skillfully in both gap and zone calls. Arms are claws, once engaged he directs the defender’s path with ease. Moves well for his size but is still devoid of short-area athleticism. Can become unbalanced and topple over. Stiffer lower body that carries into technique flaws. Will have to work on suring up his footwork. Height makes it difficult to maintain proper bend and leverage in his pass set. Better in his short set as his movement skills can be exploited in a c angle. Jones has tangible assets in size, strength, and functionality that make him a considerable prospect. A season that shows cleaner footwork and less variability in pass protection will help improve his draft positioning.
Grade:
Floor/Ceiling: Developmental Tackle / Swing Tackle
Scheme Fit: Power-Blocking System
Grade: 2nd Round
Injury History: N/A
Character Notes: Earned team “champion” status after first career start in 2020.
Quotes:
“Ohio State’s right tackle also has the potential to emerge as an early-round prospect in the 2023 NFL draft. There aren’t many 6-foot-8, 360-pound human beings on Earth who can move as well as Jones does, and those rare physical traits are sure to intrigue pro scouts.”
Hot Take Tuesday: Dawand Jones is the best Right Tackle in the draft and a 1st Round Talent
Background:
Jones is majoring in communications. He has played a significant role along the offensive line and on special teams. He appeared in six of eight games during the Covid-shortened 2020 season, including getting his first career start and earning team “champion” status against Michigan State. In 2019 as a true freshman, he appeared in nine games. Jones was a four-star prospect by ESPN and earned three stars by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com. He was a consensus top-15 rated player, regardless of position, in the state of Indiana. Dawand Jones was a talented two-sport athlete who also excelled on the basketball court. He averaged 17.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game on the hardwood and had several Division I scholarship offers. Jones played at Ben Davis for head coaches Mike Kirschner and Jason Simmons. In his first year as a starter in 2017, he helped Ben Davis to an undefeated 6A state championship. An Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 team selection as a senior and a 6A All-State selection in 2017 as a junior.
