Small-school defensive line prospect could be a draft steal for Cowboys
The Cowboys improved vastly on defense last season. After giving up a franchise-record 473 points and finishing 31st against the run in 2020, the Cowboys defense led the NFL in turnovers (34) and were No. 1 on third down. There's still another level the Cowboys can get reach defensively and it starts on the line […]
The Cowboys improved vastly on defense last season. After giving up a franchise-record 473 points and finishing 31st against the run in 2020, the Cowboys defense led the NFL in turnovers (34) and were No. 1 on third down.
There's still another level the Cowboys can get reach defensively and it starts on the line of scrimmage. With stopping the run being an issue at times, the Cowboys need to be better on the interior of the defensive line
Georgia's Devonte Wyatt landed with the Cowboys in a mock draft from Pro Football Focus last week. However, Travis Jones out of UConn is a sleeper at the position and the Cowboys could snag him on Day 2 of the NFL draft.
Here's a breakdown of Jones via Joe Marino of The Draft Network:
"Travis Jones had offers from Boston College, Temple, Rutgers, and Buffalo but chose to stay close to home and play his college football at UConn where he developed into a highly-regarded team leader. Jones arrived on campus at 360 pounds with 30% body fat but has since dropped 30 pounds and reduced his body fat percentage to 13%. While Jones profiles best to a 1-technique/nose tackle role that provides most of his value on running downs, he is a terrific athlete for his size and has found ways to apply consistent pressure on the quarterback despite all of the challenging dynamics to consider within the Huskies defense. Jones is a stout run defender that frequently resets the line of scrimmage and is unselfish in how he takes on blocks, eats space, and keeps the second level clean. He is a strong processor against the run that is rarely out of his fit. As a pass rusher, Jones is an excellent pocket pusher that has active hands and the ability to power through rush angles. There are plenty of reasons to believe that under better circumstances and given his unique physical skill set and body transformation that he will be an even better pro than college player. He should immediately make an NFL run defense better and make the unit more stout."
Jones didn't play in 2020 due to UConn canceling their season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He never recorded fewer than 40 tackles (134 total) in the three seasons he was on the field and his 19.0 tackles for loss displayed a knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage. He also showed some pass rush, producing 8.5 sacks (4.5 in 2021).
The Senior Bowl is a chance for the top talent around the country to test their skills against the best in the college ranks. Jones turned heads during drills by displaying his power and relentless motor. Specifically, he had several impressive reps against guard Zion Johnson out of Boston College, one of the top offensive linemen in the 2022 class.
Jones was voted the top defensive tackle on the National team during a Player of the Week ceremony. That's the ultimate compliment considering the offensive linemen he faced were the ones that bestowed the honor on him.
The NFL Combine is where Jones increased his buzz. At 6'4 and 325 pounds, Jones ran a blazing 4.92 in the 40-yard dash. He also showed some spring in his legs with a 28.5-inch vertical jump.
The Cowboys drafted a behemoth in the sixth round at defensive tackle in last year's draft in Quinton Bohanna who is 6-foot-4 and 330-pounds. Jones would provide another anchor in the middle who could help elevate the Cowboys' defense against the run as a space-eater and take on double teams to give other guys one-on-one opportunities.
Dallas has a solid rotation at 3-tech defensive tackle with Neville Gallimore, Trysten Hill, and Osa Odighizuwa. Jones would be a nice piece to put bedside them as a 1-tech/nose tackle and strengthen the Cowboys run defense. His ability to get a great push when rushing the passer can force quarterbacks to move outside the pocket and become lunch meat for edge rushers or blitzing linebackers.
If Jones is still on the board in the second round, the Cowboys should strongly consider bringing him to Dallas.
Feature image via David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
