2013 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Barrett Jones, C, Alabama

by Cory J. Bonini on March 8, 2013 @ 18:18:16 PDT

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Alabama center Barrett Jones enters the 2013 NFL Draft after four versatile seasons for one of the premier schools in the nation.

He started 49 of 53 games at guard, center and left tackle.

Better ball player than athlete

Strengths

Extremely intelligent - arguably the best "football smarts" of anyone in the draft class
Fundamentally strong in his technique
Keeps his feet moving at all times
Efficient in the second level of the defense
Can play anywhere on the line
Good size (6-foot-4, 306 pounds), large hands (10 1/4 inches), and long arms (34 1/8 inches)
Better pass protector but still adequate in the running game
Strong effort at all times
Good awareness for twists, stunts and blitz

Weaknesses

Lacks elite athleticism
Suspect hand placement at times
Could improve his strength - doesn't drive defenders off the line
Recovering from torn foot ligaments - lengthy injury history, although he typically has played through the pain
Played on a dominant line the last few years - appears better than he really is?

Expected draft placement

Jones has first-round talent but may fall out of the round because of his injury concerns and blue-collar style. The Green Bay Packers (No. 26) are in need of a center and could consider Jones in the first round. Otherwise, a mid-Round 2 placement seems likely.

About Cory J. Bonini

Cory is KFFL's General Manager. In late 2002, he joined the KFFL staff as a research analyst and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1996. A member of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, as well as Fantasy Sports Writers Association, Bonini has been featured in print, on radio and on scores of websites. Bonini co-hosted Big Lead Sports on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio from 2011 to 2012.

Bonini was recognized with the 2010 Best Article in Print Award from the FSWA and was a finalist for the same award in 2011. In '11, he finished first overall in the FSWA NFL experts challenge that featured 60 of the industry's best competitors. Follow @CoryKFFL