2nd Round – Pick 37
Chris Jones – DT – Mississippi State
AA Grade: B+
My Thoughts: I love this pick. In fact, I had the highest grade for Chris Jones of any of the staff that provided grades. For me, I have a hard time separating this pick and the trade that proceeded it. In my mind, the fact that KC got an extremely talented player that could easily have been taken in the first round and picked up two more picks in the process is a huge win. Trade aside, I still love the pick. Chris Jones could end up being the most talented defensive tackle taken in this draft.
Now, I acknowledge that Jones was inconsistent in college. At times his tape is absolutely dominant. Other times he kind of disappears. Here’s the thing though, if Jones was dominant all the time on his game tape he wouldn’t have been available at pick 28, let alone after trading back into the early second round. The Chiefs are going to have to trust their coaching staff to get the most out of Jones. The KC staff and locker room have a proven track record so I like the odds. If Jones reaches his full potential I think there is a chance that this pick could be looked at as one of the steals of the entire 2016 draft.
When you watch his tape you see a player that can do it all. Jones uses his 6-foot-6 and 310 pound frame to dominate offensive linemen. It doesn’t take long watching Jones before you see him literally toss a lineman aside. He can handle double teams, he stops the run, and best of all he can provide pressure up the middle on passing downs. He tested well for a man his size at the combine with a 5.03 forty time and 26 bench press reps (with long 34.5 inch arms). I believe the Chiefs drafted a player that will be a key contributor from day one of his rookie year and may develop into a Pro Bowl caliber player.
Next: Find out the grade for KeiVarae Russell