Chandler Jones Drafted 21st By New England Patriots

   Chandler Jones has made 'Cuse nation proud yet again. The former Orange standout was drafted in the first round last night by the New England Patriots. The Patriots traded up to the number 21 pick and selected Jones. The Patriots were rumored by several media outlets to be interested in Jones after the Super Bowl.  Jones was limited to just 7 games last year, but still was able to record 4.5 sacks. Mel Kiper Jr. said that he would've likely been a top ten pick if he'd been healthy the entire year.
   Jones was extremely excited to get selected in the first round saying, "To hear Roger Goodell say my name, that's just a dream come true, I'm excited to be a Patriot." Jones may play both linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, as well as rush as a down lineman. For Bill Belichick and the Patriots to trade up for a player is quite significant. The Patriots are usually the team to move down in the draft in recent years.
    Chandler Jones did give credit to another Syracuse alum and former Orange star, his brother Arthur Jones. He said, "He was basically telling me the way I carry myself off the field, I'm not just representing myself, I'm representing the organization. I feel like having a brother in the NFL is a great advantage." Arthur   Jones currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
    Continue to follow Syracuse Pros for continuing coverage on Chandler Jones and the rest of the Syracuse players in the 2012 NFL draft.