Dawand Jones Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Jay LaPrete/AP Photo)
School: Ohio State (Senior)
Position: OT
HT: 6’8
WT: 360 lbs
Sideline Prospect Ranking: #25
Dawand Jones is a mammoth of an individual. His size and length are truly one of a kind even at the offensive line. He has an arm length of 36 ⅜ inches, which puts him at the 95th percentile for his position. He also has 11 ⅝ inch hands, putting him in the 98th percentile for the position. Jones was a 3-star recruit out of Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. During high school, he was able to not only receive D1 offers in football, but also in basketball. He was a high school version of Glen Davis! Jones has an extensive background of athletic capability that, when combined with his size, are a dangerous mix. Jones uses his large hands and his elite grip strength that does not allow rushers to break free once he has connected with their chest. His arm length and strength allows him to fully extend his arms and still be able to keep rushers at a full arm’s length, which makes him virtually unreachable to the rushers he faces. He does have great grip strength, but he does not get called for holding penalties too frequently. His violent hands create for a punch that is almost always timed correctly and placed properly. Jones is able to latch onto defenders while also not getting grabby at the point of attack. Due to his power and size, he is a force to be reckoned with in the run game. He can move bodies like it’s nobody’s business. Being able to push defenders back while not breaking too much of a sweat, he creates large gaps for the ball carrier. Dawand Jones plays through the whistle and doesn’t stop until his opponent is in the dirt. He has a very strong lower half and has a firm base when absorbing a variety of defensive stunts and twists.
Dawand Jones’ areas of improvement mainly derive from issues due to his size. I believe Jones uses his weight and overall size well, but I also think he could greatly benefit from losing 15-20 pounds. He does not have horrible technique by any means, but he can be slightly delayed and his feet can be found a step or two behind the rest of his body in some pass protection sets. Faster and shiftier linemen can beat Jones on his outside shoulder with a combination of twists and stunts. If Jones can cut a bit of weight, he won’t lose that natural power he has but he’ll be able to move quicker and carry his weight better.
Dawand Jones is an intriguing prospect due to his mountainous size and his ability to use it to his advantage. If he can cut weight and become a quicker athlete, he will be an impactful pro and could even transition to the left side of the line if called upon to do so.
Scheme Fit: Zone Rushing Offense
Ideal Role: Right Tackle
Best Team Fits: DEN, DAL, HOU
Player Comparison: Mekhi Becton
Player Grade: 84.2
