NFL Draft Profile: Andre Jones, EDGE, Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns

NFL Draft profile scouting report for Louisiana-Lafayette EDGE Andre Jones

Andre Jones
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns

#80
Pos: EDGE
Ht: 6045
Wt: 248
Hand: 1000
Arm: 3428
Wing: 8128
40: 4.60
DOB: 10/25/1998
Hometown: Angie, LA
High School: Varnado
Eligibility: 2023

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One-Liners

“One of the better looking players off the hoof, Jones has an intriguing skill set but his upside might just be as a backup.

Evaluation:

On film, Jones aligns as a SAM backer, with his hands in the dirt as a true defensive end and he’ll kick inside at times. Jones is a physically gifted player, with a rocked up frame. He has good speed and movement skills in space. Louisiana asked Jones to drop back into coverage and he didn’t look out of place there but that most likely won’t be his role at the next level. As a run defender, Jones’ play strength and slipperiness show up. Jones was able to avoid blockers a lot on film, using quick hands and a solid inside move to avoid their block. He used his length to lockout and set the edge against tackles. Jones would then disengage and use his above average closing burst to make a play on the ball carrier. Jones is a hard hitter and when he played in control, he was a very good tackler. As a rusher, Jones is best working on twists, where he can build up speed and use his power to knock tackles backwards. He rushes at 100% each time and wins with effort and power. Jones lacks any bend and can’t corner, so he is going to have to win as a power rusher at the next level. His spin move is solid but not quick enough to win consistently. It is also his only pass rush move, so it became predictable after a while. Overall, Jones could develop into a strong side defensive end. He is a good run defender, with heavy hands. His pass rush upside is based on him developing his power more and adding pass rush moves to his game. Even then, he doesn’t provide enough as a pass rusher to be a starter. With his size and length, there is backup upside here, which is why Jones should be a draft pick.

Grade:

6th Round

Background:

Originally from Tickfaw, Louisiana. He attended Varnado High School and was rated as a two-star prospect by 247Sports. He attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. As a freshman, he played in five games, totaling nine tackles. Decided to redshirt the following season. During his redshirt sophomore season, he played in all thirteen games, totaling thirty-nine tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. During the shortened 2020 season, he played in all eleven games, totaling forty-three tackles and two sacks. As a redshirt junior, he played in all fourteen games, totaling sixty tackles, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. During his redshirt senior season, he played in all twelve games, totaling forty-eight tackles, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.