NFL DRAFT PREVIEW: Chandler Jones

A good bloodline goes a long way. If you were looking for a stud defensive end in this year's draft you might want a cross between a champion UFC fighter and a 6' 3" 313-pound beast. This pedigree mentioned are the brothers of Chandler Jones. His brother Jon "Bones" Jones is a champion UFC fighter, arguably the best fighter currently. His other brother is Arthur Jones, a former Syracuse standout, now a defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens. Enough about family, time to talk about Chandler Jones.
Chandler Jones has officially declared for this year's NFL draft. The stock on him has varied from source to source, but I will give you my overall take. First of all look at his frame, Jones is a 6 foot 5 inch, 265 pound monster. His size is the exact thing teams look for and his strength allows him to play in a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense. He reminds me of a young Julius Peppers who can drop back into coverage if necessary. Against Pitt this year he picked off a pass and defensed several throughout the year. He excels against the run with a frame that allows him to get seperation from blockers. He is no slouch against the pass either offering 4.5 sacks in just 7 games this past year.
Jones was named All-Big East first team honors, not bad for a guy who missed nearly half the year. He was named Big East Defensive Player of the Week after taking over the game against West Virginia. In that game he had 6 tackles and two sacks. Geno Smith spent more time on the ground than upright due to Jones disruptions. These are just a few of Jones' accolades.
So that leaves the question, where is he going to go in the draft? I have heard anything from a mid-second rounder to as low as fifth round. He could be on the Colts' radar to replace an aging Dwight Freeney. Is he the next Dwight Freeney? No, he is the next Chandler Jones!