Arthur Jones Scouting Report

After redshirting, Arthur Jones played in every game in 2006. However, it was not until 2007 when Jones started to show that he could turn into one of the best defensive tackles in the nation. He recorded 17.5 tackles-for-loss that year -- ranking third on Syracuse's all-time single season tackles-for-loss list -- but the best was yet to come. In 2008 Jones only tallied 13.0 tackles-for-loss, but he was a much better all-around player and earned All-Big East First-Team accolades for that reason. Jones has not put up eye popping numbers so far in 2009, but he has tallied 17 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss and one sack through seven games. Heading into the 2009 season, Jones was considered one of the top five senior defensive tackles according to most pundits. His lack of production thus far may drop him down a little bit, but he can move back up during senior week and at the NFL combine. Jones' biggest issue is his size. His 6-4 frame is fine, but he is listed at 293 pounds. Jones is strong, but he needs to get bigger to garner first round attention. Jones has been slowly putting on weight, but he has to prove that he can add a little weight and still be quick to the point of attack. 1/24 Update: Jones did not play much more during his senior campaign after suffering a knee injury which required season ending surgery. Having two surgeries in two years has raised major questions about his health. He will need to have a very productive NFL combine in order to move past the second or third round, but Jones certainly has the talent to be a solid defensive tackle in the NFL.