DaQuan Jones

A four-star OL/DL recruit, Jones narrowed his college choice to Penn State or Boston College, choosing the Nittany Lions. He was supposed to redshirt in 2010, but his positive play earned him a valuable role as a freshman and sophomore reserve. Jones earned a starting job as a junior and set career-bests in 2013 as a senior with 44 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks, earning First Team All-Big Ten honors. He has some explosive traits with the active motor and core strength to be a force - some impressive skills, but the college production doesn't match. Jones played mostly 3-technique in Happy Valley, but isn't scheme dependent and can play just about anywhere on the DL - best suited as a 1-technique in a four-man front or 5-technique in a three-man front. He is motivated by his family situation, which forced him to grow up quickly. Jones needs some technique work, but is a well-rounded layer with likeable traits - Penn State has had a DT drafted on day two of the NFL Draft each of the last two seasons (Devon Still, Jordan Hill) and Jones will likely extend that streak to a third straight year.

humble and mature with a good head on his shoulders...hard worker on and off the field with a gentle giant demeanor with his teammates...durable and tough, playing through pain...versatile skill-set and can line up in several spots in even or odd fronts - improved senior season, earning first team all-big ten honors.

WEAKNESSES

strengths

Tall, well-built frame with a wide base and broad shoulders...quick-footed with flexible ankles, loose hips and good COD skills for the position to bend around blockers...explosive lower body and shoots out of his stance with purpose...active limbs with the body control to rip and sidestep blockers...aggressive to extend and punch with shock in his hands...understands leverage and stays low for a taller interior rusher...fierce on-field competitor with a good motor.

lacks ideal range with below average pursuit skills...inconsistent counter measures and doesn't get enough upfield penetration, struggling to shed blocks...inconsistent snap anticipation...needs to maintain his gap integrity and play assignment sound - not a fundamentally-strong player right now...allows his eyes to wind up in the wrong place and needs to improve his ball awareness...ends up on the ground too much and needs to stay under control with his movements to keep his feet underneath him...might need some time to digest a nfl playbook...marginal career production and resume.

--Dane Brugler

Rated as the No. 2 offensive lineman by Rivals.com, Jones was a standout on both sides of the ball for Coach Fred Deinhardt at Johnson City High School. A Scout.com four-star player, Jones tallied 70 tackles during his junior season. He also recorded three sacks and recovered four fumbles. He was a football and basketball team captain and also a member of the track and field team.

Full name is DaQuan S. Jones. His parents are Steve Jones and Vaile Newborn. He has two brothers, Devon Newborn and Dashaun Jones. He enjoys spending time with friends and playing basketball. He is studying criminology. Born December 17, 1991 in Johnson City, N.Y.