2021 NFL Draft: Patrick Jones II Player Profile

Position: Defensive End/EDGE

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 250 pounds

School: Pittsburgh Panthers
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Patrick Jones II 2021 NFL Draft Profile

Pass rusher is among the most coveted positions in the National Football League. This year’s draft sleeper is Pittsburgh’s Patrick Jones II. Physically, Jones is imposing, and on the whistle, he fires off the line and, more often than not, meets his target. Jones commands a level of respect given his size and, while doing most of his work with hands in the ground, can excel as an edge rusher while standing up. Additionally, his productivity in college over a two-year span with 17.5 sacks labels him as a gem in this year’s draft.

Born in Chesapeake, Virginia, Jones was a star at Grassfield High School. Upon graduation, Jones entered Pittsburgh a semester early and redshirted his first year. As a sophomore, Jones finished the year with four sacks. Entering his junior year as a starter, Jones would go through the next two years racking up 17.5 sacks and establishing himself as a presence on the edge. Though college teammate Jalen Twyman opted out last year, Jones had a productive senior year with nine sacks. Jones enjoyed a breakout performance against Boston College, racking up three sacks in a 31-30 losing effort against the Eagles.

• Quick burst off the line;
• Uses size to advantage;
• Quick hands for swim move;
• Disciplined when recognizing run or pass;
• Tackles at an explosive rate;
• Strong leader.

• Motor can be inconsistent;
• Loses footing when bull rushing;
• Can be limited if double-teamed;
• Projects to be mostly a situational rusher if not tweaked;
• Lacks consistent explosiveness.

Bottom Line on Patrick Jones II

Patrick Jones II is likely viewed in NFL circles as a physical specimen with raw ability. Though he played at Pittsburgh, he’s still underrated in a class where defensive linemen and edge rushers are top-heavy. That shouldn’t take away from what the tape shows, that being productivity. With teams itching to replicate Todd Bowles‘ blueprint that was on display at the Super Bowl, the first ingredient is to acquire productive pass rushers.

Jones is productive, but a coach like Bowles requires consistency. Sometimes, that has not been part of Jones’ game. When his light is green, he is fast off the line, and quarterbacks find themselves on the ground more often than not. If it’s simply flashing, there are times for offenses to take advantage of the aggression, which hurts in the long haul. Additionally, Jones must refine his technique should he be drafted into a system where he may have to stand up instead of customarily having his hand in the dirt. He most certainly can thrive, but again, it’s who gets him rather than where he’s taken.