Jamarco Jones

Ohio State has created a NFL pipeline at left tackle with the last four left tackles out of Columbus playing at the next level: Taylor Decker, Jack Mewhort, Mike Adams and Alex Boone. And Jones will be the fifth. A two-year starter at Ohio State, Jones was groomed by Decker his first two seasons in Columbus and served as the team’s sixth offensive lineman. He took over the starting left tackle duties in 2016 and was the unsung hero of the Buckeyes’ offense, creating a sense of security for J.T. Barrett and Urban Meyer. Jones has come a long way since high school, transforming his body, understanding protections and getting stronger, but inconsistent posture and play strength lead to off-balance reps. Nonetheless, he has the baseline size, athleticism and awareness to add immediate depth on the NFL roster and push the starters. BACKGROUND A four-star offensive tackle recruit out of high school, Jones was universally rated as a top-10 offensive tackle recruit out of De Le Salle, earning First Team all-state honors despite missing the first half of his senior year due to a shoulder injury. He received a few dozen offers and narrowed his college choice to Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan, committing to the Buckeyes. Jones served his first two seasons as the back-up left tackle, seeing action in a combined 17 games as a freshman and sophomore. With Decker off to the NFL, Jones stepped into the left tackle role as a junior and started all 13 games in 2016, earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors. He returned to Columbus for his senior season and started all 14 games, earning First Team All-Big Ten honors.

in our view

Jones isn’t a dominating blocker, but he gets in the way and finds ways to keep his man occupied. If he continues to make strides with this technique and functional strength, Jones projects as a down-the-road starter at the NFL level.

strengths

Athletic feet in pass pro to reset and react to movement. Wide base with efficient pace to his slide. Rarely beaten by edge speed alone. Quick to answer counter moves. Looks comfortable at the second level and sustains in space. Drops his hips and runs his feet to create movement in the run game. Praised by his coaches for his dedication to improving on and off the field (“He spends more time preparing each day and is one of the most intelligent guys I have been around.” – Ohio State offensive line coach Greg Studrawa). Graduated with a degree in family resource management (Dec. 2017). Plays through minor injuries and started every game at left tackle the past two seasons. – Dane Brugler 1/10/2018

compares to

Shon Coleman, Cleveland Browns – From a size and ability standpoint, Jones has NFL-starting skills, but the technical savvy and play strength are areas that NFL rushers will be able to exploit, similar to Coleman in Cleveland.

weaknesses

Ties up defenders, but doesn’t overwhelm anyone. Core strength issues at the point of attack. Doesn’t have pop in his punch to shock or redirect rushers. Long legs, high cut and locked hips. Rushers take advantage of his leaning and overeager pass-sets. Hard outside shuffle and late to protect vs. inside moves. Struggles to retrace his steps. Late cutting off the linebacker at the second level. Inconsistent angles on reach blocks. Hand placement is improved, but he is more novice than expert in this area. Defaults to grabbing once rushers gain an inch. – Dane Brugler 1/10/2018

Jones was a consensus four-star prospect and a Top 100 player nationally

he was rated as high as the 63rd-best player in the nation overall by Scout and he also had high overall rankings of No. 74 (ESPN), No. 76 (247Sports) and No. 94 (Rivals)

among the 10 best offensive tackle prospects nationally, with No. 6 rankings by both Scout and ESPN and No. 7 rankings by Rivals and 247Sports

despite missing first half of his senior season with a shoulder injury, Jones earned Illinois Coaches Association first-team Class 6A all-state honors and Champaign News-Gazette all-state accolades

helped De La Salle, under the direction of coach Dan O’Keefe, to the second round of the Illinois Class 6A state playoffs

a 2014 Under Armour All-American Game participant and two-time all-Chicago Catholic League honoree.

Is the son of Urica Jones.

2016

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0