Christian Jones, OT, Texas
Size:
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 305 pounds
Arm Length: 34 1/2"
Hand Size: 10 5/8"
Accomplishments:
40-plus career starts • Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (2022)
“Christian Jones has the ideal measurables and, with the right development, could become an NFL starter.”
Strengths:
Play experience
Arm length
Run blocking
Effort
Concerns:
Lower-body tightness
Plays with high pad level
Lunges at defenders
Hand placement
Film Analysis:
Christian Jones is an experienced OT, starting in more than 40 career games at Texas at RT and LT. Jones appears to have the combination of great arm length and a physical temperament that shows well in both the run game and in pass pro.
As a run blocker, Jones has a quick first step at the snap and generates enough power to generate movement along the line of scrimmage. When he can sustain blocks, he does a good job of running his feet and works to finish the block and drive the defender off the line of scrimmage. Jones is also athletic enough to work to the second level and make contact with second-level defenders.
In pass pro, Jones uses his arm length to try and make initial contact with defenders. Jones prefers to keep inside leverage on defenders and force them to round the arc. By doing this, he can use his length to help run them past the quarterback and execute an effective rep.
Jones’ biggest concern as a player deals with his high pad level. The high pad level shows in both the run game and in pass pro, and ultimately affects his balance and body control. In the run game, Jones could be easily shed by defenders because he plays high and lacks the proper base to maintain blocks. His high pad level also takes away his source of power, leaving him with a limited source of power in his base. In pass pro, he also lacks a sustainable base, which allows power rushers to collapse him deep into the pocket and disrupt the quarterback. Jones will also lunge at defenders to make initial contact, which affects his balance and leads to holding penalties or whiffs on blocks.
Overall, Jones is an experienced OT who has a great amount of playing experience. He could develop into an NFL starter with the right coaching and improvement of the details of his game.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Alabama (2023), Houston (2023), Baylor (2023), Oklahoma St. (2023)
