Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones forecasts as a defensive end with the potential to play 3-4 rush linebacker, which gives the senior plenty of landing spots in the 2012 NFL Draft. 

Smallish defensive end prospect

Strengths

• Extremely athletic
• Great size and wingspan (35 1/2 inches)
• Plays with hustle - constant motor
• Good vision
• Bloodlines - brother Arthur Jones plays for the Baltimore Ravens; brother Jon is the UFC light heavyweight champion
• Team leader
• Quick burst off the line - enhanced by a strong understanding of cadence
• Does a good job of locating the ball in traffic
• Upside with the right coaching and scheme
• Effective swim and rip moves

Weaknesses

• Thin build for a defensive end (6-foot-5, 266 pounds) - a 'tweener prospect
• Lacks ideal strength
• Takes too many unnecessary steps
• Struggles transitioning from a back step into a forward gear
• Balance can be an issue - plays too upright at times
• Missed five games in 2011 with an unspecified knee injury

Expected draft placement

Jones should be a late first- or high second-round selection in April's draft. He profiles as a left end in a 4-3 Cover 2 base defense. Teams that could be most interested in him include the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears.