Ric's NFL Draft Profile: Dawand Jones, Offensive Lineman, Ohio State Buckeyes

Ric Serritella on Dawand Jones, Offensive Lineman, Ohio State performance at the 2023 Senior Bowl proving first round talent

Ric Serritella

Feb 24, 2023

The first day of practices is underway, but before the players even hit the field, one of the biggest winners at the 2023 Senior Bowl was Dawand Jones from Ohio State.

While conversations have been circulating about whether or not he's a first-round offensive tackle prospect in the NFL Draft, he certainly made a strong case for himself when he measured in at the Senior Bowl.

Jones has a ridiculous frame, measuring in at 6-foot-8 with 11 3/8" hands, 36 5/8" arms, and an 89 1/2" wingspan, which is the longest wingspan in Senior Bowl history. Those measurements alone will put him in the conversation to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Now, the 375 pounds he weighed in at might concern most, but he told reporters in Mobile that he's down to 24% body fat, which is 3% less than last year. And if you're worried about his movement ability at the size, you can put that to rest.

Here he is, taking on the athletic EDGE rusher Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame:

PFF College @PFF_College

Dawand Jones vs Isaiah Foskey🍿

Now you get his explosive burst out of his stance. Jones can quickly get to the defender's chest, control the rep, and out-leverage him with his pure strength and overall pass.

Here he is again taking on Foskey:

The Buckeye Nut @TheBuckeyeNut

Ohio State OT Dawand Jones vs Notre Dame DL Isaiah Foskey. Foskey is 6-5 265

But how's his technique at that size? Jones is showing off his hand technique and ability to mirror defenders. For his height, he's well-balanced, with good hand-eye coordination to match the defender's pass rush.

Here he is taking on EDGE rusher DJ Johnson from Oregon:

Josh Taylor @JoshTaylorFB

Don’t hand fight with Dawand Jones. I’m begging you.

Size alone is going to get him looked at as a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but you pair that with his technique and movement skills that he's showing at the Senior Bowl and he's already starting to lock his name into that conversation.

A colossal tackle with a robust playstyle, Jones skill set is few and far between and will leave teams clamoring for his services come the draft.

Evaluation:

Size is astounding, length and mass that is visible from the nosebleeds. Naturally wide base that remains consistent throughout his pass set. Hand fighting is non-negotiable. His innate length prohibits pass rushers from reaching his chest. Heavy hands disrupt defenders trying to work a move. Plays long through the point of attack, as expected with his frame. Impressive anchor that is seldom threatened. Remarkable adjustments to counter moves, swiping away incoming technique. Synced with his linemen, understands where and when to slide, and diagnoses stunts and blitzes. Stout in the run game. Brings intensity to every call and works skillfully in both gap and zone calls. Arms are claws, once engaged he directs the defender’s path with ease. Moves well for his size but is still devoid of short-area athleticism. Can become unbalanced and topple over. Stiffer lower body that carries into technique flaws. Will have to work on suring up his footwork. Height makes it difficult to maintain proper bend and leverage in his pass set. Better in his short set as his movement skills can be exploited in a c angle. Jones has tangible assets in size, strength, and functionality that make him a considerable prospect. A season that shows cleaner footwork and less variability in pass protection will help improve his draft positioning.

Grade:

Floor/Ceiling: Developmental Tackle / Swing Tackle

Scheme Fit: Power-Blocking System

Grade: 1st Round

Injury History: N/A

Character Notes: Earned team “champion” status after first career start in 2020.

Quotes:

“Ohio State’s right tackle also has the potential to emerge as an early-round prospect in the 2023 NFL draft. There aren’t many 6-foot-8, 360-pound human beings on Earth who can move as well as Jones does, and those rare physical traits are sure to intrigue pro scouts.”

Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

Hot Take Tuesday: Dawand Jones is the best Right Tackle in the draft and a 1st Round Talent

Background:

Jones is majoring in communications. He has played a significant role along the offensive line and on special teams. He appeared in six of eight games during the Covid-shortened 2020 season, including getting his first career start and earning team “champion” status against Michigan State. In 2019 as a true freshman, he appeared in nine games. Jones was a four-star prospect by ESPN and earned three stars by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com. He was a consensus top-15 rated player, regardless of position, in the state of Indiana. Dawand Jones was a talented two-sport athlete who also excelled on the basketball court. He averaged 17.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game on the hardwood and had several Division I scholarship offers. Jones played at Ben Davis for head coaches Mike Kirschner and Jason Simmons. In his first year as a starter in 2017, he helped Ben Davis to an undefeated 6A state championship. An Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 team selection as a senior and a 6A All-State selection in 2017 as a junior.

#79
Pos: OT
Ht: 6072
Wt: 360
DOB: 8/6/2001
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
High School: Ben Davis
Eligibility: 2023