Chandler Jones, younger brother of UFC champion Jon Jones, will enter the 2012 NFL draft tonight as an almost certain first round pick according to NFL experts. While it was just weeks ago that he was viewed as more of a third or fourth round pick, he has shot up draft boards as more teams have given him a closer look.
His selection will make him the third pro athlete in the Jones family, joining Jon and older brother Arthur, a defensive tackle in the NFL as well.
Here’s where a sampling of experts see Chandler being drafted:
– Sports Illustrated – Pick 18 of Round 1 – San Diego Chargers – This is right about where I see a mini-run on pass rushers starting, and Jones may be the hottest name among them. Though he didn’t crack my first round until the 4.0 version, in the first week of April, scouts say his game tapes have marked him a first-rounder all along. The Chargers are desperate for some edge pass-rush production in their front seven.
– NFL.com – Pick 19 of Round 1 – Chicago Bears – The general public might not know a lot about him, but my view is — and I’ll take a lot of heat for this — three years from now, he might be the best defensive player to come out of this draft.
– Chicago Tribune – Pick 20 of Round 1 – Tennessee Titans – He has climbed the board this week. He could be a good complement to Kamerion Wimbley.
– Pro Football Talk – Pick 15 of Round 1 – Philadelphia Eagles – Teams are smitten with Jones’ length and non-stop motor.
Check out some video of Chandler after the jump…
Here’s a video talking about Jones’ pros and cons:
Chandler Jones’ “Path to the Draft”: