Cowboys fans have long been clamoring for a big one tech, almost as long or if not longer than they have wanted a free safety who can roam the field. The primary option for the entire draft is Georgia’s Jordan Davis, one of the 30 visitors, but what if he isn’t available?
Uconn’s big body answer is defensive tackle Travis Jones. The junior lineman from New Haven is seen as the next-best option on many a draft board, and there’s plenty of reasons why. His time as a Huskie wasn’t filled with much winning, the university going 4-33 during his three years. That time came with two coaches, as Randy Edsall retired in the middle of 2021. Jones’ play remained stellar, though with 133 tackles, and his after-college circuit included an impressive week at the Senior Bowl and quality testing numbers.
Measurables and Stats
Listed Height: 6-foot-4
Listed Weight: 325
Jersey Number: 57
Tackles (2021): 16 solo tackles, 48 total tackles
Impact Plays (2021): 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks
Film Study Information:
Games Watched: Indiana (2019), Clemson (2021), Purdue (2021)
Best Game: Purdue (2021)
Worst Game: Indiana (2019)
Physical Skills Evaluation:
Explosiveness: Very explosive off the snap, his pad level can get high when he shoots out of his stance, but it’s only on occasion.
Pad Level/Leverage: His pad level can get high on occasion, its not a big occurrence, but it is something to work on. He gains leverage with ease. Quickly places his hands establishing leverage on the offensive lineman.
Pass Rush Plan: Lacks a true plan of attack, attempts to overwhelm blockers with his size and power, and when that doesn’t work he is too engaged to get to his counters.
Flexibility: Lacks any real ankle flexion to bend around an offensive lineman.
Gap Shooting/Lat. Ability: Can generate interior pressure fairly quickly if he lands his initial pass rush move. If he doesn’t, he works to disengage from the blocker to cause pressure, but he doesn’t consistently cause pressure.
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