2018 Cardinals Draft Prospect: OL Sam Jones

2018 Cardinals Draft Profile

Name: Sam Jones

Twitter: @samthejonesy

Position: Offensive Guard

School: Arizona State

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 305 lbs.

Projected: 5th – Undrafted

Stats:

2017 (RS Junior): 13 games played
2016 (RS Soph): 7 games played (missed part of season due to injury)
2015 (RS Fresh): 12 games played
2014 (Redshirt): DNP

Bio:

Sam Jones (not the old Jets quarterback) arrived to Arizona State as a four-star recruit out of Colorado. Not to be confused with his Flash Gordon namesake, Jones played four different positions for the Sun Devils. After a redshirt 2014, Jones played in 12 games during the 2015 season, playing left guard and both tackle positions. Jones declared himself for the NFL Draft after his junior season in Tempe.

Team Fit:

The thing that makes Jones valuable is his versatility. The modern game has pushed teams to find linemen who can play multiple positions. The versatility allows for roster flexibility for coaches and general managers. Perhaps best used in a zone blocking scheme, Jones has the athleticism to grow and become a talented interior lineman. The Cardinals are looking to get younger all over the roster. Jones would give them versatility along the line on a rookie contract.

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Strengths:

Jones is agile and shows quickness getting out of stance as a blocker. Solid athlete who is able to adjust to moving targets. Quick hips allow him to turn and knock defenders while on the move. Able to get to the second level without the need of a rocket cycle to get on linebackers and secondary players. Versatile to play along the line if needed. Jones showed strength at the combine with 28 reps on the bench press, highest among all PAC-12 participants this year. Good footwork to help get stable blocks downfield. Quickly gets hands in position in pass protection.

Weaknesses:

Will need to maintain mass on frame to avoid getting pushed around inside. Showed issues with initial push, often losing ground and needing to regain balance. Struggles against strong interior linemen. Needs to show he can get better with hand placement on blocks, as he sometimes gets caught wrapping his hand around defender rather than punching the chest. Will need to get stronger at point of attack to avoid being pushed around.

*Don’t know who Flash Gordon is? Watch this:

– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.