Finding Broncos: Travis Jones | IDL | UConn

Finding Broncos is a series that scouts the 2022 NFL Draft class, with a big defensive lineman up next.

Measurements

• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 325 pounds
• Arms: 34-1/4 inches
• Hands: 10-1/4 inches

Combine Results

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.92
• Vertical Jump: 28.5 inches
• Broad Jump: 110 inches
• 3-Cone: 7.33
• 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.58

Stats

Pros

• Has an excellent combination of size, length, and athleticism for the defensive line. 
• Plenty of strength to control gaps and good quickness to shoot through gaps. 
• Opponents struggle to try and block him with a single man.
• Can work multiple gapping fronts and line up to attack in different techniques, though 0/1 is his best-suited spot. 
• Awareness is excellent, and he keeps his eyes in the backfield on the ball carrier. 
• Great burst in a short area. 
• Ability to change direction and lateral agility are excellent for his size. 
• Hands are heavy, powerful, and stun blockers on contact. 
• Uses his length to the max and understands leverage, often keeping his pad level low when attacking. 
• Hand technique is practically elite, and he uses it with good consistency.
• Doesn't stop his motor, and it runs hot throughout the game. 
• Checks all the intangibles boxes with a high football IQ and leadership qualities. 
• Can come into the NFL and be one of the best-run defenders right away with the traits he has. 

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Cons

• It'll take work to help him develop attack plans.
• There are moments he struggles to maintain position against double teams.
• There are multiple occasions he works himself out of position.
• Has to have his bodywork in unison, which will help limit the amount of ground he gives up to blockers.
•  Has to be effort invested to improve his overall pass rush attack, which means adding more to his arsenal. 
• Only concern is with his hand technique which needs consistent placement with his engaging punch. 
• Will take a while to get the work done to be a reliable threat as a pass rusher potentially. 

Overview

Travis Jones flew under the radar at the Combine because of Jordan Davis, but the UConn product had an insane showing. Jones' athletic testing was excellent, and he killed it in the drills. In addition, his run defense is elite, entering the NFL with a great foundation in technique to immediately contribute for whoever drafts him. 

While Jones offers up pass rush ability, it is still limited, and he won't generate a significant impact right away. He needs to add more to his arsenal, but he can be trusted to keep the quarterback from escaping up the middle. Jones has a high floor and a high ceiling with his size and athletic ability giving him good versatility. 

Fit with Broncos

The Broncos need to improve their run defense. They got shredded on the ground multiple times last season, and nose tackle Mike Purcell quickly became a liability against the run. Jones would help solidify the run defense while giving them a good weapon on the inside that dictates blocking shifts his way. 

However, with Denver not picking until No. 64 overall, it's doubtful Jones will fall that far. Most of the chatter going around centers around whether he'll fall out of the top-25, and if he does, it wouldn't be long until he hears his name called. Jones would be an excellent pickup for the Broncos because he could open up for the defensive line. 

With the addition of D.J. Jones, the fit for the UConn stand-out is a little harder to see. Both D.J. and Travis are much better working in the middle of the defensive line as a 0/1 technique that can slide out occasionally. 

It'd make sense if Denver wanted to go all out against the run with a bigger defensive line package. However, it's still unlikely that Travis Jones makes it beyond the 50th overall pick. 

Grade: Round 1

Where he Goes: Top-25

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