The UDFA period has brought us some more intriguing talent, and we’ll take you through each one to get you caught up, starting with DI Benito Jones. The former Ole Miss Rebel is looking to add some stout to the interior of the defensive front that is still seeing quite a bit of talent churning.
Benito Jones, NT, Mississippi
At 6’1″ and 321lbs Benito Jones is a mountain of a man. A four year player at Ole Miss, Jones appeared in 45 games at the college level, registering 66 solo tackles, 31 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks.
Jones will likely see his role primarily a run-stuffer at the NFL level. With very active hands and great ability to strip hands from his chest he has a great urgency and level of work. However, he has issues with lateral movement and doesn’t currently pose a dynamic pass rushing skillset.
His high energy, huge size, and ability to absorb double teams will make him an ideal addition in the run-stuffing department. This has been a notable area of concern for the fins over the last few seasons.
Jones doesn’t currently possess an explosive first-step, and his build is very squat, and he lacks the height you like to see in interior DL. He also players very linearly and struggles when looking to work laterally rather than straight ahead.
While his pass-rushing may not be to an NFL level, his ability to penetrate in the run game has helped him stand out. With a solid showing against Alabama in 2019 and good work at the Senior Bowl Jones looks to be a high upside run stuffer.
Despite these limitations, Benito Jones is, however, a very good developmental prospect. Already a stout run stuffer who can take up space and compete well in double-teams, he could see action in first-down or heavy run situations already.
Like most UDFA Benito Jones’ best chance of making the team will be as a practice squad player.
Stay tuned this week as next up for review is Middle Tennessee State DE Tyshun Render.
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