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Josh Jones | OT | Houston
Height: 6-5
Weight: 319
Player Profile
Strengths:
The traits are there. He’s done a nice job putting on weight throughout this process. Originally listed around 310, Jones weighed in at 319 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. The positive weigh-in was important for a guy who’s strength has come into question. He also possesses great height (6-5) and arm length (33 7/8”) for the position.
A four-year starter with plenty of experience, Jones checks all of the physical boxes. He’s long, athletic and relentless. He does a good job firing off the ball and using his length to keep rushers who are trying to threaten the edge in check. When things don’t go well from the get-go, Jones has the length and flexibility to recover and re-gain control of the rep.
He plays the position with terrific energy. There are several instances on tape where his motor really pops. When things go right for Jones, he looks like a tackle that’s going to be a quality player at the next level, both as a pass protector and in the run game.
Weaknesses:
More of an exciting project than a finished product at this moment in time. All of the raw and exciting physical traits are there, but very few of the technical ones are currently present. He doesn’t appear to be NFL ready, which is a little concerning given his experience. He should probably sit for a year or two while an offensive line coach gets him up to speed on the technical aspects of playing the position at this level. His hands are incredibly inconsistent in every aspect. The placement and timing of his punch are all over the place.
He’s too big and too good to allow defenders to get into his chest and take control as easily as he does at times. The football IQ doesn’t really seem to be there either. There are too many instances where it’s clear that he’s not really sure of what’s going on around him, or in front of him.
Does he fit the Titans?
With Jack Conklin signing with the Cleveland Browns in free agency, the Titans should make the right tackle position a priority in the draft. It was important to keep Dennis Kelly in the wake of Conklin’s departure, but he’s a bridge option at best. The Titans should draft a tackle that could either push Kelly for the starting job, or one that can sit and learn while getting ready to take over the job in 2021 and beyond. Jones has all of the physical tools and traits to serve as an exciting project at the next level. How early are you willing to make that gamble?